Associate Buyer - Domestic Sourcing

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 Pottery Barn Brands and functions working closely with Merchandising, Inventory, Ecom and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. You will research, identify and develop suppliers that meet the product requirements of the assigned categories and lead meetings with third party vendors while identifying opportunities and recommending new products 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 products 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 Merchandising, Inventory, Ecom 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 
• Collaborate with the merchants and third party vendors in assigned category(s) to: 
  • Execute strategies 
  • Ensure product quality 
  • Meet on-time delivery 
  • Support speed to market 
  • Maximize profitability 
• Manage sourcing processes and procedures in the assigned category(s) to successfully execute and deliver WSI products on time, which meet the product, quality, and value mission. This should include the following: 
  • Vendor Research and Development 
  • Material Research and Development 
  • Comparative Studies - Products, costs, and risk 
  • Cost Negotiations 

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 $75,000-$80,000. 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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