This position is responsible for executing Category directives in their focus country. They are 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 CONTENT AND DUTIES:
1. Product Development:
Work with Merchandising Manager on category strategy to ensure right product, right vendor
Fully versed on Time & Action (T&A) master calendar and all key dates. Alert Sourcing team when falling off calendar.
Manage Testing of products with factories and protocol adherence.
Communicate target costs and sample ETD to vendors, and follow up on weekly progress
Communicate program approval to vendors and ensure that the factory has the correct approved sample before they go into production
Troubleshoot any issues that come up in production and work with factory to ensure on-time delivery and notify Sourcing team if there are any major delays.
2. Negotiate costs and MOQs
Negotiate with factories to achieve target costs for seasonal developments.
Obtain agreement on initial and reorder Minimum of Quantity (MOQs).
Address factory up-charges as they arise and work with the brand to drive agreements.
3. Vendor relations and capacity management
Facilitate the on-boarding of new vendors.
Create strong relationships with all our key vendors.
Plan and create strategic vendor development to establish long term business growth.
Stay on top of factory issues (strikes, holidays, etc) and communicate as needed to the SF team.
4. Sourcing
Source new products /factories via trade shows and market contacts.
Understand where our competitors are producing their product and the capabilities of all our factories.
5. Development Trips
Coordinate development trips with corporate sourcing team.
Prepare all documents and samples for team’s visit.
6. Liaise with QA team
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree is required
Minimum 6 years of practical experience in Decorative Accessories products
Knowledge of sourcing and product development
Basic knowledge of manufacturing process in Decorative Accessories area
Management experience would be an advantage
Experience in vendor engagement and capacity management
Vendor relationship management
COMPETENCIES & TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Technical & Language Proficiency
Communication & Presentation
Negotiation & Costing
Vendor Management
Organizational & Analytical Skills
Teamwork & Leadership
Service Orientation & Interpersonal Skills
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.
