About the Team
You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for creating assortment strategies based on analyzing sales and trend.
Our job blends creativity, analytics, and marketing.
About the Role
The Associate Buyer will develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the department. You will be responsible for coordinating information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. You will have the opportunity to participate in design meetings while identifying opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for the department.
Responsibilities
Develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the department
Own final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets) and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans.
Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats. Obtain feedback from stores to improve product and add to collections
Participate in the development of the annual and seasonal financial plans
Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input
Responsible for coordinating information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met
Present product vision and category performance to members of our leadership team
Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles, and escalates difficult issues to Director/Buyer, Call Center and Stores
Criteria
BA/BS degree required
3+ years in corporate merchandising
Advanced retail math skills
Strong presentation skills
Strong leadership skills
Ability to work autonomously, strong decision-making skills with good judgement
Strong written and verbal communication to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
Ability to work in a fast pace, often changing environment
Advanced MS Excel skills; required to create pivot tables, advanced formulas, and functions such as VLOOKUPS
This role requires being onsite in the (provide office location) office Monday through Thursday and Friday as optional in the office
Occasional travel may be required within the bay area for photo shoots and floor sets.
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.
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:
Benefits
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
Continued Learning
In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
Resources for self-development
Advisor (Mentor) program
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
$78,500-$92,250. 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.
Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces.
Weve seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasnt changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, were a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and were always looking for new energy and ideas.