Buyer, Dropship - West Elm

Job Description

Requisition Number: WE-17016
Area of Interest: Merchandising
Organization: Corporate
Brand/Division: West Elm
Position Type: Full-time
JOB DESCRIPTION
Buyer, Dropship -- West Elm
Who we are:
Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming people's lives and spaces through creativity, style, and purpose. We create unique, modern and affordable home decor and curate a global selection of local, ethically-sourced and Fair-Trade Certified products, available online and in our 100+ stores worldwide.
Our home base is nestled down under the Manhattan Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, right above our flagship store. We are a dynamic, fast-paced brand with an exciting growth strategy. We value imagination, diversity and giving people the opportunity to explore, grow and shape our future. We look for innovative, smart and hard-working individuals who enjoy creative thinking and ingenuity. Help us carry out our mission of being a source of inspiration to our customers, creating a global community and tirelessly seeking ways to evolve our brand.
The Buyer of Dropship Furniture will lead the cross-functional team to deliver upon key area strategies. Reporting into the Senior Buyer, this role will focus on growing our dropship business through 3rd parties. The successful candidate will be able to leverage cross-functional relationships as well as external relationships, possess strong organization and follow through to deliver results. This person will have regular interactions with the senior leadership team including Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents across several departments and categories. The growth opportunities in this role are significant -- the Buyer driving this category will directly impact the overall results of the brand; this person will craft their creative and analytical skills, develop their ability to influence, and learn to drive a key growth vehicle for the company.
Essential Responsibilities:
* Develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for a department or assigned area.
* Identify opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for department.
* Manage information across functions working closely with external vendors, eCommerce, and marketing teams.
* Perform market analysis, competitive shop and analyze sales trends to keep abreast of current trends.
Identify emerging trends.
* Develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats.
* Communicate annual and seasonal strategies to leadership and internal and external teams.
Develop growth plans by vendor and category.
* Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans.
Collaborate with vendor setup and systems management teams to ensure accurate order processing.
* Maintain relationships, resolve issues and conduct final negotiations with significant suppliers and agents as necessary (domestic and overseas).
Provide eCommerce and creative teams with final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets).
For assigned areas, approve final: Costing, Changes that affect production deadlines and plan objectives, eCommerce experience
* Investigate and respond to field and/or site 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.
Potential for management of a Merchandise Coordinator, will retain shared support of at least one MC.
Work closely with eCommerce counterpart to develop appropriate merchandising/pricing strategies for the brand.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications:
* BA/BS Required
* 5-7 years Buying/Merchandising experience working with 3rd party vendors.
* Domestic Travel 2x year
Potential International Travel 1-2x year
* Keen business and analytical skills
Benefits:
We offer an extensive benefits package designed to help you grow, personally and professionally, to care for your family and to build a secure future. Depending on your position and your location, here's a look at what you might be eligible for:
* Competitive benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; tax-free spending accounts; same-sex domestic partner benefits; commuter benefits; and more
* A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
* Paid vacations, holidays and other time-off programs
* A generous discount on all Williams Sonoma Inc. brands through multiple shopping channels
* Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
* Discounts on nearby gyms and other local businesses
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.