Associate Buyer - Electrics

With over 50 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we’re all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.

The Associate Buyer is responsible for the growth and profitability of one or more product categories. The Associate Buyer partners with leadership to develop product assortments for assigned department(s) that are first to market, new and competitive to ensure financial success (sales, gross margin and inventory turn fill rates). The Associate Buyer works with stores, Planning, eCommerce, Marketing and vendors to ensure seamless execution of the vision for the department(s). This position is based in Seattle at our Headquarters and reports to the Senior Buyer, Electrics.

What you get to do every day:

• Evaluate product assortments, quality, pricing, buying strategies and business opportunities. Develop action plans to move the business forward based on data. 
• Analyze business performance and communicate ideas for improvement with Planners and Leadership. 
• Prepare reports and analyses with recommendations to strategically grow our merchandise categories.
• Assist in developing, communicating and executing seasonal department strategies. 
• Manage category profitability through product markup negotiations and inventory management. 
• Identify product trends using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Apply product trend information to develop and expand product categories.
• Provide recommendations to improve strategies and drive sales across all channels.
• Participate in competitive analysis and communicate findings and recommendations to manager.
• Participate in product reviews, sales forecast and open to buy (OTB) discussions to develop understanding of OTB elements and process.
• Contribute to in development of category marketing, visual merchandising and go-to-market campaigns.
• Develop expert knowledge of product category and customer base.
• Manage vendor partner relationships to execute new product launches, assortment reviews and analysis, promotional strategies, and product or marketing funding negotiations.
• Communicate complex information clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to both internal and external audiences.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by manager. 

What you bring to the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or related field. Relevant work experience considered in lieu of education.
• 3+ years’ experience in retail inventory merchandise planning or buying.
• 1+ years’ experience business planning and analysis experience. 
• Knowledge of housewares industry and relevant product lines preferred. 
• Strong analytical abilities and retail math skills. 
• Microsoft Office proficiency; intermediate Excel skills preferred. 
• Familiarity with visual merchandising, eCommerce and go-to-market strategies. 

What’s in it for you?

• PTO
• Medical/Dental/Vision and a variety of supplemental policies available
• Company 401K match 
• Company Health Spending Account (HSA) match 
• Company provides group life insurance at no cost
• COBRA reimbursement for salaried employees until health insurance eligible
• Paid Holidays
• Birthday off with pay! 
• Pet Insurance 
• Generous employee discounts 

What our interview process looks like:

• Depending on the position, our application and interview process may vary, but here are some of the ways we get to know you better: 
• 📞 Step 1: Match most of the requirements and qualifications for the position? We want to chat. A recruiter will reach out to you via email to schedule some time to learn more about our company and get to know you better. Remember, you’re also interviewing us! 
• 📝 Step 2: Our assessments (if applicable to the role) measure your analytical and business acumen. We use them to better understand your expertise. Each person interviewing for the same role receives the same assessment, which helps us evaluate candidates equally and consistently. 
• 👩🏽‍💻Step 3: Virtual or in-person interviews depending on your location. Our hiring team will learn more about your prior experience and challenges you’ve faced. Be prepared with detailed examples. Concise and well-organized answers are ideal. 
• ✍🏽 Step 4: Offer! This is where things get really exciting. We gather all data from your interviews and conduct a final review. If qualified for the position, your recruiter will connect with you via phone to present a verbal offer we know you’ll be excited about. 

CSC Generation family of brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws.

CSC Generation family of brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected].