Buyer, Textiles - West Elm Kids

Buyer, West Elm Kids

Unique opportunity to help shape the vision of the growing West Elm Kids business! In this role you will develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the growing West Elm Kids Textiles business. You will identify opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for Kids Textiles. You will manage information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Creative Services to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. Manage and develop Assistant Buyers. You will join a talented and collaborative team in building a business from the ground up with a clear path to future career development and business ownership opportunities.

This position is onsite in Brooklyn, NY (DUMBO) 4x a week (hybrid role).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for West Elm Kids Textiles.
• Identify opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for department.
• Manage information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met.
• Perform market analysis, competitive shop and analyze sales trends to identify emerging trends and develop business strategies accordingly.
• Communicate annual and seasonal strategies to functional areas (Inventory, Design, Sourcing, Production, Packaging, Visual).
• Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management to provide Sourcing and Production Management with purchase quantities, delivery dates, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs.
• Maintain relationships, resolve issues and conduct final negotiations with significant suppliers and agents as necessary (domestic and overseas).
• Recommend and collaborate with Visual to plan floor layouts.
• Provide Inventory Management with final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets), flow to DC and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management in season to recommend adjustments (markdowns, delivery changes and quantity changes) to the plan to maximize sales, profits, budget (OTB) and to protect the brand. Determine contests and provide awards.
• Investigate and respond to field issues. Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations. Provide appropriate merchandising information for Store Newsletters.
• Visit stores and contact field management to gather information on customer feedback and product issues.
• Develop one to two Assistant Buyers. Clarify objectives, assess performance and provide regular feedback.
• Interview candidates and make hiring recommendations.

Criteria

• BA/BS Required
• 5-7 years Buying/Merchandising experience.
• Domestic Travel 2x year
• Potential International Travel 1-2x year
• Keen business and analytical skills

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 $105,000. 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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