Associate Buyer, Franchise - Pottery Barn Kids and Teen
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.About the role
Associate Buyer, Franchise – Pottery Barn Kids + Teen
As the Associate Buyer for Global you will manage Franchise Businesses for the Pottery Barn Kids + Teen Brands. In conjunction with your manager, you are responsible for the management of a set of categories for our Franchise Businesses. Your job on the Pottery Barn Kids and Teen Global team is to bring the US brand strategies and presentation to life with our Franchise Partners. You will work to maintain the brand identity while making strategic adjustments to the assortment and presentation specific to each partner to maximize sales/ revenue potential and profitability.
Specific Responsibilities
Collaborate on financial targets associated with Franchise Businesses to drive revenue, inventory and
Participate with merchant team / inventory and franchise partners on a quarterly basis to drive core best sellers and reduce inventory in slow sellers/ not go forward items
Recommended assortment changes using market knowledge, competitive details, and sales analysis to maximize sales potential for each Partner.
Develop and implement seasonal calendar for Partners (key milestones & owners) Align on promotional and markdown strategies to ensure inventory targets and sales are met each season (by exception for Partner needs)
Sales Review (Divisional Breakouts, best sellers, key business drivers), drive actions from Sales Review findings, track and report out on actions and tests and identify opportunities based on Brand’s Top 50
Communicate seasonal strategies and big ideas to Partners & cross functional teams.
Drive/develop process improvements across the organization to drive Franchise business.
Drive Global SKU creation process and management for Company Owned + Franchise businesses
Create Seasonal Merch List and maintain on a weekly basis to share with both Inventory and Franchise partners
Create Global Adoption Tools for Partners to utilize each season including a Visual Line List with product information, Store Lifestyle Document with placement and product data as well as an accurate Merch List
Participate in Global Adoption 4 times a year with seasonal strategy kick off & sell in of product, by season to Franchise Partners, both virtually and in person utilizing Brand information
Participate in a Hindsight process for each season to ensure key KPIs are communicated to our Franchise Partners
Partner with customs, logistics, licensing and legal teams to clear roadblocks to successful product sales
Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external brand partners
Personal Competencies
Excellent business / financial acumen. Diagnose problems and take action for improvement.
Ability to influence others and make solid business decisions
Comfortable with the accountability of driving strategies and managing a business / OTB.
Ability to work with cross functional partners across the globe to drive projects and tasks to completion.
Passionate, positive problem solver with a can-do attitude.
Personal leadership and professionalism. Service + customer mindset, with the ability to influence cross functionally.
Ability to navigate ambiguous and often changing situations.
Superior written communication, presentation, and listening skills
Strong management and leadership skills to lead, develop and motivate a team -- both internal and external.
Organized, efficient, and detailed orientated.
Requirements
2-5 years of Retail Merchandising/Buying and/or Retail Kids and Home Furnishings Planning experience preferred. Account Management experience will also be considered.
Strong Excel skills (pivots, formulas, data sourcing)
Strong Presentation skills required
Strong understanding of the brand customer and aesthetic
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
Apply for this role
Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.
Apply Now →Generate Application KitFree account required — sign up in 30s