You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for creating assortment strategies based on analyzing sales and trends. Our job blends creativity, analytics, and marketing.
About the Role
As a Buyer, you will create and develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to deliver sales and profits for the assigned department in line with strategies set by the divisional Director / VP. You will identify category opportunities and recommend new products or concepts for the department. You will also coordinate information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Ecommerce, Sourcing, Allocation, Production, Creative Services, Stores, Packaging, and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines are met. You will handle visual signage (new, specials, markdowns) and coordinate in-store collateral, online copy and image assets, photo samples, and assortment tools.
This role requires being onsite in our San Francisco office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday.
Responsibilities
- Analyze, present and recap sales trends and results to leadership and cross-functional partners for assigned department(s). Demonstrate on a daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, quarterly, and yearly basis.
- Execute 3YP growth strategies for assigned department(s).
- Execute entire category reviews and growth strategy forecasts as needed.
- Communicate weekly selling updates, assortment opportunities and influence markdown recommendations and trending collections to "chase" orders.
- Develop and communicate annual and seasonal business merchandising strategies for assigned department(s) focused on core businesses and newness.
- Select seasonal and core product assortment for assigned department(s) to drive the business forward in collaboration with the in-house design team.
- Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans.
- Collaborate with Inventory Management and Sourcing on seasonal assortment rank, purchase quantity recommendations, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs.
- Identify and recommend new business opportunities to drive future growth.
- Create and maintain merchandising assortment plans for assigned departments.
- Present to leadership and manager in seasonal milestone meetings.
- Establish seasonal pricing strategies and set profitable pricing based on sales trends and cost negotiations with the Sourcing team.
- Analyze competitive market and provide observations and analysis of findings.
- Execute SWOT analysis as needed for competitive analysis.
- Correspond with functional areas to resolve difficult issues on product quality issues, re-ticketing issues, or customer service needs.
- Lead weekly product development meetings and establish a POV and provide critical feedback on the design.
- Lead product presentation setup and breakdown for critical product in-person meetings.
- Participate in regular return and replacement meetings and work to resolution for your area(s).
- Propose and recommend promotional opportunities to drive sales and customer engagement.
Marketing:
- Communicate key product items, seasonal "big bets" and strategies to develop pagination to Creative Services to finalize marketing plan.
- Communicate digital marketing plans for assigned department(s).
- Influence email and social marketing based on sales demand and inventory levels in the department(s).
- Lead the team on photo sample requests.
Retail:
- Create seasonal retail floor model and backroom stocking strategies. Partner with the visual team on execution both virtually and in the mock store.
- Create and own retail mapping documents.
- Provide information to the field on in-store promotion strategies and placement of markdown goods. Correspond with functional areas.
- Investigate and respond to store field issues. Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations. Provide appropriate merchandising information for Store Web.
- Visit stores as needed to review visual merchandising, standards, and new floorsets.
Miscellaneous:
- Execute SKU creation and SKU updates for all departments.
- Operate in PLM system.
- Operate a computer and communicate via telephone.
- Proficient to advanced in Excel.
- Transport materials and equipment and lift, move, and carry objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis.
- Attend overseas product development calls as needed seasonally after hours.
Criteria
- BA/BS Degree Required.
- 5-7 years Buying/Merchandising experience.
Our Culture & Values
We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. Our associates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work so they can be their best and achieve their personal and professional goals. We make inclusivity a cornerstone of our culture by welcoming associates with diverse cultures and backgrounds and celebrating them together. We nurture an open, inclusive environment for all. Our differences-whatever they may be-are valued, explored, and appreciated. Together, we're creating a more just and inclusive company culture where the only criteria for advancement are:
- The quality of our work.
- The contributions we make to our teams and the business.
- Our ability to lead and connect.
We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Outside of WSI, we recognize the importance of playing a part in our communities through partnerships, collaborations, and commitments to a more just and inclusive world.
People First
Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:
- A generous discount on all WSI brands.
- A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities.
- Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer.
- Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits.
- Tax-free commuter benefits.
- A wellness program that supports your physical, financial, and emotional health.
- In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University.
- Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities.
- Resources for self-development.
- Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series.
WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.
The expected starting pay range for this position is $105,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.
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