Associate Buyer

About the Team

You will be part of the collaborative Global Williams-Sonoma team based in San Francisco responsible for creating assortment strategies based on analyzing sales and trends. Our job blends creativity, analytics, and marketing.

About the Role

This position supports the development of business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the growth of the Williams-Sonoma brand in our global markets. The Associate Buyer will collaborate with the Global Williams-Sonoma team to drive sales and represent the best the brand has to offer across retail, catalog, and eCommerce channels.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Merchandising team seasonally to identify core product mix, while consistently identifying emerging trends to develop strategies that outline strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

• Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans; ensure goals are achieved.

• Conduct ongoing online and in-store market analysis.

• Complete quarterly competitive analysis to monitor positioning.

• Provide accurate and timely reporting and analysis of assigned categories.

• Manage vendor relationships including negotiations, reporting, and marketing strategies; source and onboard new vendors as needed.

• Deliver final assortment plans with product details to Inventory partners for purchase projections and buy plans.

• Recommend assortment adjustments to maximize sales and margin performance.

• Share timely product information and promotional strategies with Marketing, Product Information, and Store Operations teams.

• Support the timely development of collateral marketing materials, ensuring alignment with strategy and profitability targets.

• Ensure accuracy of catalog proofs, website content, visual packets, signage, and perimeter packets for assigned categories; conduct website testing as required.

• Resolve and/or escalate product issues with Inventory partners, Call Center, and Stores; analyze product feedback and returns data to recommend solutions that reduce return rates.

• Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for system entry as needed.

Criteria

• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.

• Highly organized with strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills; able to provide direction to cross-functional partners and communicate issues effectively.

• Demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards.

• BA/BS required.

• 2-3+ years of previous merchandising experience.

• This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday and Friday as optional in the office

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 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 $80,000-$84,000. 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.

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