Buyer, Williams Sonoma & Emerging Brands

About The Team

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a leader in home lifestyle and retail, with a portfolio of brands that inspire customers across physical and digital channels. This role supports Williams Sonoma across company-owned and franchise markets and Rejuvenation and Mark & Graham within company-owned DTC markets. The Global Merchandising team connects brand strategy with local-market execution through close partnership with Inventory Management, Ecommerce, Marketing, Allocation, Operations and external franchise partners.

About The Role

As the Buyer, you will own assortment strategy and financial performance for assigned global businesses. You will directly manage company-owned retail and DTC businesses while guiding franchise partners in translating Williams Sonoma brand strategy into locally relevant assortments and execution. This role combines financial ownership, market insight, cross-functional leadership and people development to deliver profitable growth and consistent brand expression.

Responsibilities

• Company-Owned Markets
  • Own annual and seasonal assortment strategies for Williams Sonoma company-owned retail and DTC markets and for Rejuvenation and Mark & Graham company-owned DTC markets, aligning brand direction with local customer demand, climate, seasonality and channel needs.
  • Drive sales, margin, inventory productivity and profitability by analyzing performance on a daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, quarterly and annual basis and recommending chase, reorder, transfer, promotional, markdown and exit actions.
  • Partner with Inventory Management and Allocation to develop financial plans, forecasts, receipt strategies, inventory flow and stocking recommendations that support market and channel objectives.
  • Lead retail and digital go-to-market execution with Ecommerce, Marketing, Creative, Visual and Store Operations, influencing site placement, email, social, floorsets and promotional support based on demand and inventory.
  • Identify and execute growth opportunities across category expansion, dropship, local vendors, Trade, B2B and other initiatives while resolving product, pricing, quality, reticketing and customer-service issues.
  • Coach and develop Associate Buyers and Assistant Buyers, establish clear priorities and accountability, and create scalable merchandising tools and processes across assigned businesses.
• Franchise Markets
  • Lead the Williams Sonoma merchandising strategy across assigned franchise markets, translating company-led seasonal direction into locally relevant assortment recommendations that maintain brand integrity.
  • Analyze partner sales, inventory and category performance, lead regular business reviews and influence investment, pricing, launches, marketing and in-season actions to improve results.
  • Align internal teams and franchise partners on assortment selections, ordering timelines, product availability, SKU setup, product information, imagery and launch milestones across retail and DTC channels.
  • Coordinate operational requirements including import documentation, testing, packaging, labeling and issue resolution, while building accountable partner relationships and identifying opportunities to expand categories and channels.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of buying, merchandising or related retail experience.
• Proven experience leading and developing Associate Buyers, Assistant Buyers or other direct reports.
• Experience managing multiple brands, markets or channels; international, franchise, wholesale or partner-operated business experience preferred.
• Advanced retail math, financial analysis and inventory-management skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, advanced formulas and lookup functions.
• Experience in assortment planning, reporting and product-management systems.
• Strong product sensibility and elevated taste level, with the ability to translate brand strategy into locally relevant assortments.
• Strong cross-functional influence, problem-solving, project-management and presentation skills, with agility in a fast-paced environment.
• This role requires onsite work in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday, with Friday optional in the office.

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

Pay

The expected starting pay range for this position is $97,000 - $115,500. 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.