The Merchandiser is the liaison between the San Francisco based team and the factories, managing seasonal developments, vendor relations, Time & Action (T&A) and key communications. They work in conjunction with WSI QA to support the US based team and factory needs.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Product Development:
Fully versed on Time & Action (T&A) master calendar and all key dates for product development samples
Monitor Testing of products with factories and protocol adherence
Communicate target costs and sample ETD to vendors and follow up on weekly progress.
Work together with Furniture Engineer team on new developments, making sure with vendors on prices are according to WSI Standards
Communicate program approval to vendors and ensure that the factory has the correct approved sample before they go into production.
Daily update & track product development status, testing status, photo sample status, Master Control Sample (MCS) and perform follow ups to make sure everything runs as planned. Update Furniture Engineers & Brand Managers with the schedule accordingly.
Work with Furniture Engineers to prepare all information for blue file such as testing reports (quality, Environment Moisture Content - EMC, packaging), Product Data Sheet (PDS), Approved CAD, Assembly Instruction (AI), Product Change Information Sheet (PCIS)…
Create Expedite Request Form (ERFs) for sending samples and correspond with forwarder for sample pick up schedules. Update Sourcing & Product Development Team with the tracking details.
Working with Furniture Engineers & vendors to provide correct information to Product Information Specialist (Vendor Fact Sheet - VFS, hangtags, labels, Assembly Instruction - AI and other information needed).
Troubleshoot any issues that come up in production and work with factory to ensure on-time delivery and notify Merchandise Manager if there are any major delays.
Monitoring drop/approval rate for each development seasons.
Vendor relations and capacity management
Facilitate Onboarding of new vendors.
Create strong relationships with all our key vendors
Stay on top of factory issues (strikes, holidays, etc) and report to Merchandise manager as needed.
Monitor vendor performance (scorecard) and work closely with vendors to improve the grading if needed.
Monitor Preliminary Purchase Order (PPO) / Purchase Order (PO) process to ensure our order quantity is not exceeding capacity and communicate the changes if needed to avoid peak and valley in volume.
Sourcing
New products /factories via trade shows and market contacts.
Understand the capabilities of all our factories.
Monito annual retest and shipping schedule, work closely with vendors and QA team to ensure on time shipment. And if there is any delay, troubleshoot the problem and clearly communicate with SF team about all potential/at risk of delay.
Work closely with vendors to facilitate all push out/pull up/cancelation to support the sale.
Keep record of all cost changes/ Minimum of Quantity (MOQ) changes over the year across factories.
Development Trips
Prepare all documents and samples for team’s visit.
Liaise with QA team
Arrange Pre-Production Meeting (PPM) schedule across factories.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 3 years of practical experience in Furniture products.
Knowledge of sourcing and product development
Basic knowledge of manufacturing process in the Tabletop/Furniture area.
COMPETENCIES & TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Communication Clear and effective verbal and written communication, including presentations.
Negotiation & Costing Ability to manage costing discussions and negotiate with stakeholders.
Vendor Management Skilled in factory evaluation and vendor relationship management.
Organizational Skills Strong prioritization, attention to detail, and accuracy in execution.
Team Collaboration Ability to work effectively within a team and build positive interpersonal relationships.
Service Orientation Demonstrates a proactive, customer-focused mindset.
Technical Proficiency Advanced computer skills, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email systems.
Language Proficiency Proficiency in English.
Mindset & Drive Strong sense of urgency, prioritization, and ability to deliver under pressure.
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of home furnishings in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, United Kingdom and the rest of the world with franchise partnerships. Our family of brands are Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and GreenRow. Our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities remains as our core values.
Today, we are a USD 8.7 billion company, with 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.
The Global team is an inclusive employer where we recruit and provide employees with fair opportunities on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. Our family of brands includes Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. 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.
