Our Company

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 role

As an Associate Manager - Product Development, you will assist in the development and implementation of sourcing strategies, both short (seasonal/annual) and long term (3-5yrs) for the assigned product category(s). You will research, identify and develop production sourcing markets and suppliers that meet the product supply requirements of the assigned categories. 

Responsibilities

 Collaborate with the design team and overseas offices/suppliers in assigned category(s) to:   Execute creative designs   Ensure product quality   Meet on-time delivery   Support speed to market   Meet financial targets and maximize profitability   Minimize risk, e.g., diversifying country and supplier placement  Understand the global landscape and opportunities Implement a product sourcing strategy in the assigned category(s) appropriate for each source region considering such factors as:   Country competencies   Supplier capabilities, capacities, and growth plans   Country and vendor risk   Partner with the Manager and design team during the development process to identify source markets and suppliers for requested materials, finishes, and products in the assigned product category(s).  Manage sourcing processes and procedures in the assigned category(s) to successfully execute and deliver WSI products on time, which meet the design, quality, and value mission. This should include the following:   Vendor Research and Development - Capabilities, capacity, and growth plans   Material Research and Development   Comparative Studies - Products, costs, and risk   Cost Negotiations based on parameters from merchandising  Production placement and reservations - (based on information from planning and merchandising)   Troubleshoot seasonal product issues related to the development Focus efforts on the management of core and top seasonal investments Update and maintain accurate product information via our PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system Partners with overseas offices and suppliers in managing the assigned category(s).   A close working partnership with Design, Merchandising, Inventory and Brand Packaging.   Coordinates with all support areas on new developments: QA, Testing, Packaging, and Inventory.   Close coordination with overseas offices, suppliers, and service providers.  

 

Criteria

 4+ years of college education (BA/BS)  Minimum 2-year experience in offshore sourcing, buying/merchandising in a retail or manufacturing organization  Strong knowledge of sourcing markets  Travel required  This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office 

#LI-LG1

 

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 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 - $82,000. 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.