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Senior Vice President, Williams Sonoma Home
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Date: Nov 30, 2018
Location: San Francisco, CA, US
Company: Williams-Sonoma Inc.
Requisition Number: WS-14000
Area of Interest: Merchandising
Organization: Corporate
Brand/Division: Williams-Sonoma
Position Type: Full-time
JOB DESCRIPTION
About the Role
* We are seeking a creative leader with a demonstrated track record for defining and managing the comprehensive merchandising, digital and operations expression of a fashion, luxury goods and-or lifestyle consumer products brand - to oversee and drive overall Williams Sonoma Home strategy on behalf of the Williams Sonoma brand.
* The candidate will be a highly talented professional possessing an exceptional degree of style, vision, management experience, and interpersonal agility, and prepared to blend artistry, dedication, insight and commercial savvy, with an ability to truly partner with Williams Sonoma's leadership team.
* The Senior Vice President of Williams Sonoma Home will be an accomplished executive with a proven track record of profitable growth within Retail and DTC channels, driving product for a vertical retail organization.
* A sophisticated professional with great vision and leadership skills, the ideal candidate will be well-regarded for his or her ability to imagine and articulate future merchandising scenarios -with an entrepreneurial mindset and an ability to think creatively in identifying new opportunities, while also staying closely aligned with daily operations and selection of a winning product assortment.
* The Senior Vice President of Williams Sonoma Home must be prepared to understand and anticipate consumer needs/desires, assess competitive offerings, develop merchandising and product plans/strategies, and provide strong leadership that prioritizes and clarifies merchandising initiatives while fostering a team-oriented performance driven culture.
* The role requires a strong leader - capable of recruiting, hiring, developing and retaining a seasoned and high-functioning team of people.
* The Senior Vice President of Williams Sonoma Home will possess the experience, insight, credibility and executive presence that has earned her or him trusted advisor status with the top executives of a highly successful company; and he or she will know how to build collaborative relationships and to foster trust by involving others in idea generation, planning and decision-making.
You're excited about this opportunity because you will be responsible for...
Brand Strategies:
* Guide, implement and develop the home business strategies, identifying new product/category opportunities and directing functions in (Merchandising, Ecommerce, PR/Social and Visual) and provide information and strategies, with (Brand Creative, Design and Sourcing) and channels (Retail, Catalogue, and Online) to maximize sales and profits for the Williams Sonoma Home division.
* Assume ownership of strategic leadership and full P & L responsibility reporting directly to the Brand President.
* Manage merchandising and business planning of products from kick-off through introduction into the market, creating product briefs for major introductions that are grounded in an understanding of consumer behavior, competitive offerings, and market trends and channel strategies.
* Create and manage seasonal line plans for all product categories including product pricing, margins, inventory turn, and SKU productivity.
* Direct all home departments to execute Williams Sonoma Home brand Strategy to profitably grow this division through sales, conversion, and engagement with a broader base of customers.
Brand Creative:
* Ability to execute a home strategy that supports a seamless brand experience and voice across channels. Lead Visual Merchandising team to develop in-store visual direction for all categories of merchandise, including product placement and brand packaging. Lead and Innovate with Catalog Merchandising team, to develop catalog marketing strategy, and translate to industry leading creative assets and compelling marketing stories.
* Drive the Internet Creative team to develop image, content, features, promos, and landing pages within website to drive product sales, brand Image and vision.
* Present strong vision for Product that reunites with the customer, represents the Williams Sonoma Home aesthetic, and establishes the brand as a leader in the home space.
* Work closely with the Design, Sourcing, and Creative teams to develop the assortment, identify opportunities for category and item distortion, balance the line by aesthetic, attribute, and develop a strong vision for product collaborations.
Position Success Factors
* Entrepreneurial Spirit -- Think and act like an owner - fully utilizing ones' intellect, creativity and experience. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to Williams Sonoma Home's customer, people, brand and overall company. Support the recruiting efforts of the brand by bringing in new talent and selling the company to those we wish to attract. Innovation, Creativity and Inspirational Leadership - Create a compelling vision capturing the attention and focus of others. Visualize what could be; considering numerous product alternatives and future scenarios, thinking of ideas no-one has done before. The innovation and creativity must inspire trust, confidence, and develop future possibilities. Influence others at the highest levels of the organization to consider a specific idea or invest in a business direction.
* Assortment Execution -- Build an assortment that is brand appropriate. Create a balanced mix in terms of vision, brand aesthetic, value proposition, IMU, average price, SKU count. Edit to appropriate blend of design adoption and collaborations.
* Product Development and Design - Work with the planning team to develop effective line plans. Demonstrate understanding of industry and apply that to the product development process. Develop appropriate quantity and quality of innovative and creative ideas. Build a relationship with the Design team that fosters development of innovative, relevant and sellable designs. Build a relationship with the Sourcing team that takes into consideration working with vendors and manufacturing process, yet pushes our expectations of quality, lead time and value/pricing.
* Multi--Channel Synergy -- Partner with both Retail and Direct team to offer a balanced assortment and a consistent customer experience in all channels. Work across all channels to inspire the customer, drive traffic, conversion, and enhance the brand image and vision. Work collaboratively to create a multi-channel synergy and achieve overall financial goals for the brand.
* Planning - Manage the Open to Buy plan and Investment Review Strategy, and know when to change plans/strategy based on business needs. Analyze the business and react with timely re-orders or merchandise changes. Maximize markdown dollars and understand seasonality.
* Brand Marketing, Social, PR and Awareness -- Represent the brand with integrity and authority. Exhibit market awareness through knowledge of relevant brands, travel inspiration, and reference points. Demonstrate ability to understand and clearly communicate the brand aesthetic, design style, brand voice and vision.
Why you will love working at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
* We're a successful, fast-growing company with an entrepreneurial vibe
* A technologically and data-driven business
* Competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits
* We're at the forefront of tech and retail, redefining technology for the next generation
* We're passionate about our internal and external clients and live/breathe the client experience
* We get to be creative on a daily basis
* A smart, experienced leadership team that wants to do it right and is open to new ideas
* We believe in autonomy and reward taking initiative
* We have fun!
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
We're excited about you because...
* Minimum of 15 -- 20 years' experience as a senior level executive for fashion/specialty retail/lifestyle or related industry. Experience in both Retail and DTC channels.
* Proven ability to manage competing demands, while maintaining focus and meeting deadlines and objectives within product merchandising and marketing and operations.
* Highly developed merchandising sense and passion for/understanding of fashion/specialty retail.
* Ability to intuit global merchandising, and digital trends.
* Infinite curiosity about style, home and lifestyle design and merchandising.
* Well-versed in the history and contemporary trends of the home/interiors, design and the visual art worlds.
* Experienced professional who executes to ensure growth, and demands the highest standards of him/herself.
* Team leader who can delegate, develop and motivate a team to encourage high level of ownership/accountability and productivity.
* Established record of attracting, coaching, and developing talented associates.
* Proven ability to earn respect and credibility throughout an organization.
* Strong communicator and relationship builder with the ability to listen and in turn present and influence toward the strength of one's own and other ideas and point-of-view.
* Voracious learner, highly imaginative and passionately curious about the world... be it art, culture, business, and global trends.
* A process-oriented thinker who anticipates and thinks through business challenges.
* In possession of a strong work ethic; also, hands-on, self-directed, team-oriented, articulate, flexible and comfortable with candid, direct communication within a fast paced entrepreneurial environment.
About Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
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. In 2017, we acquired Outward, Inc., a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and décor industry. 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.
Benefits:
Once you are here, you can look forward to a wide variety of benefits. Our corporate vision--to enhance our customers' quality of life at home--extends to the lives of our associates. To that end, we offer an extensive benefits package designed to help you grow, personally and professionally, to keep you healthy, to prepare you for the unexpected, to care for your family and to build a secure future. Depending on your position and your location, here's a look at what you might be eligible for:
* A generous discount on all Williams Sonoma Inc. brands through multiple shopping channels
* A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
* Paid vacations, holidays and other time-off programs
* Health benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care tax-free spending accounts; medical, family and bereavement leave; same-sex domestic partner benefits; short- and long-term disability programs; life and travel insurance; an employee assistance program
* Tax-free commuter benefits
* A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
* In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University, LearnIt and AcademyX
* Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
* Quarterly sample sales
* A business casual work environment
* A bike share program
* Time off to volunteer
* Matching donations to qualifying nonprofit organizations
* Company-sponsored walks and runs
* Healthy, organic options in the cafeteria and an awesome salad bar
* Discounts on nearby gyms and other local businesses
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).
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.
Area of Interest: Merchandising
Organization: Corporate
Brand/Division: Williams-Sonoma
Position Type: Full-time
JOB DESCRIPTION
About the Role
* We are seeking a creative leader with a demonstrated track record for defining and managing the comprehensive merchandising, digital and operations expression of a fashion, luxury goods and-or lifestyle consumer products brand - to oversee and drive overall Williams Sonoma Home strategy on behalf of the Williams Sonoma brand.
* The candidate will be a highly talented professional possessing an exceptional degree of style, vision, management experience, and interpersonal agility, and prepared to blend artistry, dedication, insight and commercial savvy, with an ability to truly partner with Williams Sonoma's leadership team.
* The Senior Vice President of Williams Sonoma Home will be an accomplished executive with a proven track record of profitable growth within Retail and DTC channels, driving product for a vertical retail organization.
* A sophisticated professional with great vision and leadership skills, the ideal candidate will be well-regarded for his or her ability to imagine and articulate future merchandising scenarios -with an entrepreneurial mindset and an ability to think creatively in identifying new opportunities, while also staying closely aligned with daily operations and selection of a winning product assortment.
* The Senior Vice President of Williams Sonoma Home must be prepared to understand and anticipate consumer needs/desires, assess competitive offerings, develop merchandising and product plans/strategies, and provide strong leadership that prioritizes and clarifies merchandising initiatives while fostering a team-oriented performance driven culture.
* The role requires a strong leader - capable of recruiting, hiring, developing and retaining a seasoned and high-functioning team of people.
* The Senior Vice President of Williams Sonoma Home will possess the experience, insight, credibility and executive presence that has earned her or him trusted advisor status with the top executives of a highly successful company; and he or she will know how to build collaborative relationships and to foster trust by involving others in idea generation, planning and decision-making.
You're excited about this opportunity because you will be responsible for...
Brand Strategies:
* Guide, implement and develop the home business strategies, identifying new product/category opportunities and directing functions in (Merchandising, Ecommerce, PR/Social and Visual) and provide information and strategies, with (Brand Creative, Design and Sourcing) and channels (Retail, Catalogue, and Online) to maximize sales and profits for the Williams Sonoma Home division.
* Assume ownership of strategic leadership and full P & L responsibility reporting directly to the Brand President.
* Manage merchandising and business planning of products from kick-off through introduction into the market, creating product briefs for major introductions that are grounded in an understanding of consumer behavior, competitive offerings, and market trends and channel strategies.
* Create and manage seasonal line plans for all product categories including product pricing, margins, inventory turn, and SKU productivity.
* Direct all home departments to execute Williams Sonoma Home brand Strategy to profitably grow this division through sales, conversion, and engagement with a broader base of customers.
Brand Creative:
* Ability to execute a home strategy that supports a seamless brand experience and voice across channels. Lead Visual Merchandising team to develop in-store visual direction for all categories of merchandise, including product placement and brand packaging. Lead and Innovate with Catalog Merchandising team, to develop catalog marketing strategy, and translate to industry leading creative assets and compelling marketing stories.
* Drive the Internet Creative team to develop image, content, features, promos, and landing pages within website to drive product sales, brand Image and vision.
* Present strong vision for Product that reunites with the customer, represents the Williams Sonoma Home aesthetic, and establishes the brand as a leader in the home space.
* Work closely with the Design, Sourcing, and Creative teams to develop the assortment, identify opportunities for category and item distortion, balance the line by aesthetic, attribute, and develop a strong vision for product collaborations.
Position Success Factors
* Entrepreneurial Spirit -- Think and act like an owner - fully utilizing ones' intellect, creativity and experience. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to Williams Sonoma Home's customer, people, brand and overall company. Support the recruiting efforts of the brand by bringing in new talent and selling the company to those we wish to attract. Innovation, Creativity and Inspirational Leadership - Create a compelling vision capturing the attention and focus of others. Visualize what could be; considering numerous product alternatives and future scenarios, thinking of ideas no-one has done before. The innovation and creativity must inspire trust, confidence, and develop future possibilities. Influence others at the highest levels of the organization to consider a specific idea or invest in a business direction.
* Assortment Execution -- Build an assortment that is brand appropriate. Create a balanced mix in terms of vision, brand aesthetic, value proposition, IMU, average price, SKU count. Edit to appropriate blend of design adoption and collaborations.
* Product Development and Design - Work with the planning team to develop effective line plans. Demonstrate understanding of industry and apply that to the product development process. Develop appropriate quantity and quality of innovative and creative ideas. Build a relationship with the Design team that fosters development of innovative, relevant and sellable designs. Build a relationship with the Sourcing team that takes into consideration working with vendors and manufacturing process, yet pushes our expectations of quality, lead time and value/pricing.
* Multi--Channel Synergy -- Partner with both Retail and Direct team to offer a balanced assortment and a consistent customer experience in all channels. Work across all channels to inspire the customer, drive traffic, conversion, and enhance the brand image and vision. Work collaboratively to create a multi-channel synergy and achieve overall financial goals for the brand.
* Planning - Manage the Open to Buy plan and Investment Review Strategy, and know when to change plans/strategy based on business needs. Analyze the business and react with timely re-orders or merchandise changes. Maximize markdown dollars and understand seasonality.
* Brand Marketing, Social, PR and Awareness -- Represent the brand with integrity and authority. Exhibit market awareness through knowledge of relevant brands, travel inspiration, and reference points. Demonstrate ability to understand and clearly communicate the brand aesthetic, design style, brand voice and vision.
Why you will love working at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
* We're a successful, fast-growing company with an entrepreneurial vibe
* A technologically and data-driven business
* Competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits
* We're at the forefront of tech and retail, redefining technology for the next generation
* We're passionate about our internal and external clients and live/breathe the client experience
* We get to be creative on a daily basis
* A smart, experienced leadership team that wants to do it right and is open to new ideas
* We believe in autonomy and reward taking initiative
* We have fun!
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
We're excited about you because...
* Minimum of 15 -- 20 years' experience as a senior level executive for fashion/specialty retail/lifestyle or related industry. Experience in both Retail and DTC channels.
* Proven ability to manage competing demands, while maintaining focus and meeting deadlines and objectives within product merchandising and marketing and operations.
* Highly developed merchandising sense and passion for/understanding of fashion/specialty retail.
* Ability to intuit global merchandising, and digital trends.
* Infinite curiosity about style, home and lifestyle design and merchandising.
* Well-versed in the history and contemporary trends of the home/interiors, design and the visual art worlds.
* Experienced professional who executes to ensure growth, and demands the highest standards of him/herself.
* Team leader who can delegate, develop and motivate a team to encourage high level of ownership/accountability and productivity.
* Established record of attracting, coaching, and developing talented associates.
* Proven ability to earn respect and credibility throughout an organization.
* Strong communicator and relationship builder with the ability to listen and in turn present and influence toward the strength of one's own and other ideas and point-of-view.
* Voracious learner, highly imaginative and passionately curious about the world... be it art, culture, business, and global trends.
* A process-oriented thinker who anticipates and thinks through business challenges.
* In possession of a strong work ethic; also, hands-on, self-directed, team-oriented, articulate, flexible and comfortable with candid, direct communication within a fast paced entrepreneurial environment.
About Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
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. In 2017, we acquired Outward, Inc., a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and décor industry. 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.
Benefits:
Once you are here, you can look forward to a wide variety of benefits. Our corporate vision--to enhance our customers' quality of life at home--extends to the lives of our associates. To that end, we offer an extensive benefits package designed to help you grow, personally and professionally, to keep you healthy, to prepare you for the unexpected, to care for your family and to build a secure future. Depending on your position and your location, here's a look at what you might be eligible for:
* A generous discount on all Williams Sonoma Inc. brands through multiple shopping channels
* A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
* Paid vacations, holidays and other time-off programs
* Health benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care tax-free spending accounts; medical, family and bereavement leave; same-sex domestic partner benefits; short- and long-term disability programs; life and travel insurance; an employee assistance program
* Tax-free commuter benefits
* A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
* In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University, LearnIt and AcademyX
* Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
* Quarterly sample sales
* A business casual work environment
* A bike share program
* Time off to volunteer
* Matching donations to qualifying nonprofit organizations
* Company-sponsored walks and runs
* Healthy, organic options in the cafeteria and an awesome salad bar
* Discounts on nearby gyms and other local businesses
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).
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.
Nearest Major Market: San Francisco
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland
Job Segment:
Retail Sales, Merchandising, Executive, VP, Retail, Management
