Associate Buyer, Wall & Garden - West Elm

About the Team

You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for creating assortment strategies based on analyzing sales and trend. Our job blends creativity, analytics, and marketing. As the Associate Buyer, you will work closely with a very passionate and collaborative group of team members that are excited about Merchandising!

About the Role

You will develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for one department or assigned area. You will be responsible for coordinating information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. You will attend and participate in design meetings while identifying opportunities and recommending new product or concepts for the department.

Responsibilities

• Perform market analysis obtain feedback from stores, competitive shop and analyze sales trends to keep abreast of current trends, make recommendations to improve product, and add to collections
• Develop and 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 and to provide Sourcing and Production Management with purchase quantities, delivery dates, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs
• 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 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
• For assigned area, approve final: Product collections, order quantities, costing and delivery dates, changes that affect production deadlines and plan objectives, floor plan layouts, signage and in-store collateral
• Provide information to Visual team on in-store promotion strategies and placement of marked down goods
• Resolves and escalates difficult issues to Buyer, Call Center, and Stores
• Summarize and communicate merchandising information for store newsletters and emails Coordinate with Store Operation for disseminating information through appropriate channels
• Communicate pre-ticketing instructions to Sourcing and Production. Provide Inventory Management with pre-ticketing prices
• Provide Merchandise Coordinator with product information (facts, pricing) to create Product Information sheets
• Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input

• Operate a computer and communicate via telephone

• Transport materials and equipment and lift, move, and carry objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis
  

Criteria

• BA/BS in a similar or related field
• 3+ years in Merchandising
• Advanced retail math skills
• Advanced MS Excel skills; required to create pivot tables, advanced formulas, and functions such as VLOOKUPS

• This role requires being onsite in the Dumbo Brooklyn office

#LI-LG1

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.

The expected starting pay range for this position is $75,000 - $80,000. 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.