Sr Inventory Planner - Williams Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Health, dental, vision insurance

Commuter benefits

Wellness program

Job summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is seeking a Control Buyer or equivalent to lead projections and purchasing for assigned areas. You will supervise one or more buyers, troubleshoot issues, and provide input on annual and seasonal financial and assortment plans.

The role involves leading department projects to improve systems and processes, and occasional travel to DC and Call Center. This onsite role requires being in the office Monday through Thursday with a remote option on Friday, blending collaboration

Qualifications

• 3–5 years retail experience (planning, buying, purchasing) or related experience.
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Superior written, communication, presentation, and listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with managers, peers, and merchants to determine annual and seasonal inventory projections and strategies.
• Maintain and update sales data in forecasting systems for item-level projections.
• Direct the disposition process of overstocks and aged inventory (spif, sale book, outlet).
• Review and approve vendor buy plans, backorders, and overstock and alert reports.
• Travel to DC to monitor inventory and resolve issues and build relationships.
• Travel to Call Center to understand customer service issues.
• Lead or participate in department projects to improve systems and procedures.
• Manage and lead meetings.
• Participate in Catalog-Proof Review Process (photo, layout, copy).
• Determine workload for staff and input on Open to Buy and key meetings.

Skills

Retail planning

Forecasting

Vendor coordination

Team leadership

Communication

Tools

Excel

Word

Microsoft Outlook

MS Access

Job description

About the Team

The Inventory Management team is responsible for maintaining inventory levels across the fleet and in the distribution center. They handle all sales and margin forecasting and use that information to project future inventory needs. Based on these forecasts, the team places new orders and reorders to ensure the right products are available for the customer.

Job Description

About the Team

The Inventory Management team is responsible for maintaining inventory levels across the fleet and in the distribution center. They handle all sales and margin forecasting and use that information to project future inventory needs. Based on these forecasts, the team places new orders and reorders to ensure the right products are available for the customer.

About The Role

This position is responsible for projections and purchasing for areas of responsibility. They will manage one or more Control Buyers in the execution of their job. Troubleshoot problems and issues for department. Provide input and recommendations to Merchandising on annual and seasonal financial plans and assortment plans. Lead or participate in department projects to improve systems or efficiencies. Participate in overall department policy and staffing management decisions.

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

Responsibilities

• Work jointly with Manager, peers and merchants to determine annual and seasonal concept sales projections and inventory strategies.
• Maintain and update sales data in forecasting system to ensure accuracy of item level projections.
• Direct the disposition process of overstocks and aged inventory (spif, sale book,outlet).
• Review and approve vendor buy plans, backorders and overstock, alert reports, in-stock list and priority receiving list.
• Communicate major flow changes to manager for budget (OTB) maintenance. Recommend changes to catalog depiction strategy.
• Travel to DC to monitor inventory and resolve issues and build relationships.
• Travel to Call Center to understand customer service issues.
• Lead or participate in department projects to improve systems and procedures.
• Manage and lead meetings.
• Participate in Catalog-Proof Review Process (photo, layout, copy).
• Determine workload for staff.
• Provide specific input on sales and inventory levels for Open to Buy and key meetings.
• People development: hire, manage, train, coach, appraise and develop.

Criteria

• 3-5 years retail experience (planning, buying, purchasing) or related experience.
• Computer skills -- Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, MS Access.
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work in a deadline driven environment.
• Superior written, communication, presentation, and listening skills

Competencies

• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Hit sales/inventory targets.
• CREATE SOLUTIONS: Use data to optimize inventory.
• COMMUNICATE WITH CLARITY: Communicate status clearly.
• OWN IT: Take ownership of categories managed.

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 $95,000-$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.

About Us

Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we’re a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we’re always looking for new energy and ideas.