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 teen, pottery barn kids, Rejuvenation, Mark & Graham, west elm, or Outward. 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. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't 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, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.
We hope you're interested in building a home with us. Even if you don't feel that you meet every requirement listed in this job description, we still encourage you to apply.
About the Team
The Assistant Buyer is someone who is excited to jump in and learn about the business and is equally as excited about the analytical and creative parts. You will work closely with a very passionate and collaborative group of team members that are zealous about Merchandising. We are in search of someone who can jump from one task to another quickly and efficiently, and someone who is excited about working with a fun and energetic group!
Overview of the role
Support the buyer to develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of Williams Sonoma sales and profits for assigned departments. Identify opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for department. Coordinate information across functions working closely with Franchise Merchants, Inventory Management, Ecommerce, Visual Merchandising, Marketing and Brand merchant team to ensure business goals and timelines are achieved.
Responsibilities
Partner with buying leadership to develop and deliver financial plans for your category of business (Growth %, Sales, MMU$, Inventory). Develop seasonal and foundational assortment strategies, participate in the planning and execution both pre-season and in season Analyze and report on company owned business performance and drive associated action steps. Performed weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, and annually. Perform market analysis, competitive shop and analyze sales trends to keep abreast of current trends. Obtain feedback from stores to improve product and add to collections Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, and new opportunities. Communicate annual and seasonal strategies to functional areas (Inventory, Ecommerce, Visual). Develop and recommend seasonal and core product mix for department or area. Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans Collaborate with Inventory Management and buying leadership on final assortment, product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (rank & big bets Participate in visual mapping process to ensure floor plan direction supports market-specific and store-specific visual display and sales plans Manage the Australia Merchandising Assortment Line Lists Drive retail store & eCommerce execution for the business in partnership with Visual, Store operations, eCommerce, and Inventory teams. Inclusive of upkeep of promotional calendar, creation of promotional files, store communication, and store signage needs. Alongside buying leadership develop promo and markdown strategies to ensure inventory targets and sales are met each season Review EDM, Homepage creative and participate in monthly UAT activities Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles, and escalates issues to Buyer, Call Center and Stores. Investigate and respond to field issues
Criteria
BA degree 1-4 years of the retail buying experience Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills Deadline driven and strong project management skills Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately Strong organizational skills Ability to work independently across multiple projects Strong communication skills – both written and verbal (strong business acumen) Familiar and comfortable with pulling sales reports and strong ability to analyze business metrics Detail-oriented – takes the appropriate time to complete tasks and reviews work to ensure accuracy Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) required to create pivot tables and experience with advanced formulas such as VLOOKUPS
We believe in People First
We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Our DEI initiatives prompt associate participation and engagement, aligning with our core vision to reflect the communities where we do business and put people first.
Benefits Just for You
Depending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:
A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. 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
Your Journey in 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 and learning programs 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 $60,000 -$65,000. 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.