Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

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 cross departments to support the US based team and factory needs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

1. Product Development:

• Fully versed on Time & Action (T&A) master calendar and all key dates for product development samples.
• Communicate target costs and sample ETD to vendors and follow up on weekly progress.
• Work together with cross functions 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 sample tracking and perform follow ups to make sure everything runs as planned. Update Sourcing & Product Development Team with the tracking details.
• Working with cross functions & 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.
• Prepare all documents and samples for in country product development trips
• Arrange Pre-Production Meeting (PPM) schedule across factories.
• Monitor Testing of products with factories and protocol adherence.

1. 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 line manager as needed.
• Monitor vendor performance (scorecard) and work closely with vendors to improve the grading if needed.

1. Sourcing

• New products /factories via trade shows and market contacts.
• Understand the capabilities of all our factories.
• If there is any delay, troubleshoot the problem and clearly communicate with SF team about all potential/at risk of delay.
• Keep record of all cost changes/ Minimum of Quantity (MOQ) changes over the year across factories.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years of practical experience in Decoration Accessories products.
• Knowledge of sourcing and product development.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing process in Decoration Accessories 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: Proficient in English; Chinese is a plus.
• 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.