Buyer, Bath Softlines - Pottery Barn

About the Team

You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for creating assortment strategies based on analyzing sales and trends. Our job blends creativity, analytics, and marketing. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a leader in home lifestyle and retail, our merchandising team drives customer engagement and profitability through data-informed, trend-right assortments across all brands.

About the Role 

As a Buyer, you will create and develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to deliver sales and profits for the assigned department in line with strategies set by the divisional Director / VP.    You will identify category opportunities and recommend new products or concepts for the department. You will also coordinate information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Ecommerce, Sourcing, Allocation, Production, Creative Services, Stores, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines are met. You will handle visual signage (new, specials, markdowns) and coordinate in-store collateral, online copy and image assets, photo samples and assortment tools.

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

Responsibilities 

• Analyze, present and recap sales trends and results to leadership, and cross-functional partners for assigned department(s).  Demonstrate on a daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, quarterly, and yearly basis.
• Communicate weekly selling updates, assortment opportunities and influence mark down recommendations and trending collections to “chase” orders.
• Develop and communicate annual and seasonal business merchandising strategies for assigned department(s) focused on core businesses and newness. 
• Select seasonal and core product assortment for assigned department(s) to drive the business forward on collaboration with in-house design team.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans. 
• Collaborate with Inventory Management and Sourcing on seasonal assortment rank, purchase quantity recommendations, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs
• Identify emerging trends. Develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities, and threats to drive future growth.
• Create and maintain merchandising assortment plans for assigned departments
• Establish seasonal pricing strategies and set profitable pricing based on sales trends and cost negotiations with the Sourcing team.
• 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.
• Correspond with functional areas to resolve difficult issues on product quality issues, re-ticketing issues, or customer service needs
• Lead weekly product development meetings product presentation set uP and establish a POV and provide critical and important feedback on the design.
• Participate in regular return and replacement meetings and work to resolution for your area(s).
• Propose and recommend promotional opportunities to drive sales and customer engagement.
• Execute SKU creation and SKU updates for all departments.
• Communicate key product items and digital marketing plans for assigned department(s).
• Influence email and social marketing based on sales demand and inventory levels in the department(s).
• Create seasonal retail floor model and backroom stocking strategies.  Partner with visual team on execution both virtually and in the mock store.
• Provide information to the field on in-store promotion strategies and placement of markdown goods. Correspond with functional areas.
• Investigate and respond to store field issues. Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations. Provide appropriate merchandising information for Store Web.
• Maintain relationships, resolve issues and conduct final negotiations with significant suppliers and agents as necessary (domestic and overseas).

Criteria

• BA/BS Degree or equivalent experience preferred 
• Minimum 5 years of Buying/Merchandising experience.
• Proven management experience 
• Advanced retail math skills
• Advanced MS Excel skills; required to create pivot tables, advanced formulas, and functions such as VLOOKUPS
• Operate in PLM System
• Strong eye for product and elevated taste level

Competencies

• Strategic planning and process improvement to drive business growth
• Strong cross-functional influence and collaboration across departments
• Effective problem solving and sound decision-making
• Proven project management skills with attention to timelines and deliverables
• Advanced analytical abilities and trend identification
• Strong leadership combined with team-oriented collaboration
• Agile in fast-paced environments—adapts quickly to shifting priorities and business needs
• Customer- and brand-focused approach to assortment and planning
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to synthesize and communicate complex data

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 $97,000-$115,000. 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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