Assistant Buyer

Who We Are

For over 60 years, we have curated a unique marketplace filled with inspiring finds for the home decorator, entertainer, and gifter. From international foods and hand-picked wine and beverages to artisan furniture and on-trend décor, we offer a high-quality assortment at a great value you won’t find anywhere else.

And, while diversity of product is critical to our success as a retail brand, it is our culture of diversity and belonging that allows us to thrive as a team. Each and every individual's contributions and unique perspective matter and inspire us to be inclusive, collaborative, open-minded, adaptable, honest, and respectful.

What You'll Do

Responsible for managing the daily operation of the department including but not limited to; planning, forecasting, developing and coordinating all information related to advertising. The Assistant Buyer is responsible, in partnership with the Buyer for developing and driving business strategies that meet or exceed the department’s financial goals. The Assistant Buyer will provide information and ideas to develop assortments, key items, promotional strategies, growth opportunities and store assortments that are viable while providing an exciting in-store customer experience. The Assistant Buyer communicates with vendors and agents and serves as the key department contact for all stores.

Assist in managing the overall department’s business through assortment planning, reporting, and product reviews.

• Assist in strategically building assortments that meet financial metrics and excites our customers through comp shopping, working with vendors and understanding trends.
• Develop business acumen and demonstrate an understanding of key metrics and levers.
• Maintain and speak to key financials through weekly reporting by analyzing and summarizing current business.
• Assist in actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution.
  
  

Manage the administrative detail of product development planning.

• Assist in in Product Review preparation by sample tracking, maintaining quote sheets, and assortment planning.
• Assist with providing Inventory Management with final assortment plans and any updates to ensure accuracy.
• Create and maintain Vendor and SKU set up information in merchant operational tools.
• Own the sample management process: tracking, organizing, and distributing samples to cross-functional partners.
• Manage vendor relationship: request samples, handle quality assurance issues, organize claims preparation, return to vendor (RTV) process, vendor income support, and track and resolve outstanding issues.
• Audit and proof marketing ads, store signage, and product copy.
• Attend vendor meetings in Alameda or domestically as appropriate.
  
  

Maintain effective communication with cross-functional partners.

• Collaborate with Visual and Inventory Management partners to determine product placement, signage needs, and schematic accuracy.
• Communicate product trends and sales projections with Marketing teams to develop effective and compelling marketing strategies.
• Manage Ecommerce product database by utilizing merchant operational tools and providing Ecommerce support.
• Partner with the Merch Operations team to execute store strategies, updates, and resolve store issues.
  
  

What You'll Bring

• BA/BS degree or commensurate work experience required.
• Minimum 3 years' experience as an Assistant Buyer with a multi-unit retailer.
• Solid systems skills; Microsoft; Excel, Word.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify business opportunities and risks by analyzing sales performance and the competitive landscape, provide findings to buyer and cross functional partners.
• Demonstrate an understanding of product trends and historical data at the category level to provide recommendations on assortments in partnership with the buyer.
• Excellent listening, written and oral communication skills, ability to clearly communicate with an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Strong knowledge of retail math calculations.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, shifting tasks and timelines.
• Ability to work autonomously, strong decision-making skills with good judgement.
• Ability to be the key contact person on the business when the buyer is out of the office.
• Experience with Merchandising software systems; AS400, etc.
• Work Location: Hybrid. You will spend up to 3 days per week on average at our Alameda, CA Home Office.
  
  

Why We Love It

• Work life balance is a priority.
• Up to 30% employee discount and product sample sales!
• A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcomed and safe.
• A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.
• Opportunities to make an impact through your passions.
• Wellness Programs including virtual fitness classes, personal health advocates, coaches, gym discounts and more.
• Accrued Vacation, Sick Time and Personal Holidays.
• Eligible employees offered Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, 401(k) Savings Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance and more.
  
  

CA Pay Range is $68,000 to $72,000 annually

If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the on-line application, please contact the Human Resource Department:

Phone: 1-833-680-2399

Email: hrsupport@worldmarket.com

This email address is only to request reasonable accommodation for the application process due to a medical condition. If you do not need a reasonable accommodation for such reason, please use the apply button below to complete an application and upload your resume.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of World Market, LLC. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our associates and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.