Associate Buyer, Kitchen Electrics, Williams Sonoma

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. 

This role requires being onsite in our San Francisco office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday.

 

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

 

 

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:

 

Benefits

• A generous discount on all WSI brands
• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities<