Buyer - Gourmet

Who We Are

For over 60 years we have shared stories from across the globe that remind you of a time you cherish, a place you love and people who make you feel at home. We have inspired the home decorator, entertainer, and gift giver with our unique assortment of products sourced and designed around the world and we continue to be inspired by you. You, your authenticity, impact and distinction drive our success and inspires us to be inclusive, collaborative, open minded, adaptable, honest and respectful.

What You’ll Do

As a Buyer, you will develop unique product assortments for our omni-channel business through analysis, trend research and international sourcing. You will identify opportunities and recommend and develop new products and concepts for the department. You will demonstrate a keen eye, good taste, and sound judgment.  You will be responsible for multiple categories and have financial accountability for all key metrics.

You will become part of a dynamic Merchandising team and build relationships with external and internal partners and use that collaboration and your own creativity to bring exciting product to life.  The Buyer is responsible for managing an Assistant Buyer and/or Associate Buyer and will guide their professional development through training, coaching, and feedback.

In this role, you will:

Own the Business: Develop and execute strategies

• Strategically create assortments that meet financial metrics.

• Develop core and seasonal products which excite our customers.

• Build assortment plans through competitive shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.

• Demonstrate a strong awareness of competition and the market.

• Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners.

• Travel to vendor factories and attend trade shows domestically and internationally (as appropriate for the business).

Drive the Business:  Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility

• Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners.

• Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in-season execution.

• Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations.

• Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans. 

• Manage promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability.

Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs:

• Manage vendor relationships: negotiate best possible pricing, handle quality assurance issues, organize claims preparation, return to vendor (RTV) process, vendor income support and track and resolve outstanding issues.

• Identify, source, and onboard new vendors (working with agents and internal Vendor Relations teams).

• Research, prepare, and present new product ideas and concepts to internal partners.  

• Provide Advertising, Marketing, Visual and eCommerce support needed to drive sales of your categories.

• Confirm accuracy of all marketing exposure and signs.

Demonstrate strong leadership behaviors:

• Demonstrate the ability to influence, make decisions, and act without having the total picture; comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.

• Manage the professional development of one or more Assistant and/or Associate Buyers.

• Build rapport quickly and establish positive and productive relationships with internal colleagues and external business partners. 

What You’ll Bring

• Passion for the business.

• A high level of business acumen, agility, and curiosity.

• A keen eye for style and trends.

• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.

• Resourcefulness: Critical thinking capabilities, creative problem solving, and taking appropriate risks.

• Ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.

• An enthusiasm for travel and exploring.

• Excellent analytical skills; trend forecasting and item management.

• Excellent planning and negotiation skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven ability to develop subordinates.

• Strong PC skills including Microsoft Office Applications such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word.

• Minimum 5-7 years buying experience with a multi-unit retailer including domestic or foreign travel.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Work Location: Hybrid. You will spend up to 3 days per week on average at our Alameda, CA Home Office.

Why We Love It

• Work life balance is a priority (work from home flexibility).

• Up to 30% employee discount and product sample sales!

• A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcome and safe. 

• A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.

• Opportunities to make an impact through your passions.

• Wellness Program including virtual fitness classes, personal health advocates, coaches, gym discounts and more.

• Accrued Vacation, Sick Time and Personal Holidays.  

• Eligible employees offered Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, 401(k) Savings Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance and more.

CA Pay Range is $110,000 to $150,000 annually

#LI-LO1

#LI-Hybrid

If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the on-line application, please contact the Human Resource Department:

Phone: 1-833-680-2399

Email: [email protected]

This email address is only to request reasonable accommodation for the application process due to a medical condition. If you do not need a reasonable accommodation for such reason, please use the apply button below to complete an application and upload your resume.
 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, which depending on your location may include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of World Market, LLC. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our associates and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.