DMM, Gourmet

World Market • Alameda, CA

3d • $190,000 - $220,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

World Market is a national specialty retailer founded in San Francisco in 1958. We are beloved for our wide assortment of stylish, quality furniture, home decor, and thoughtful gifts in addition to offering one of the largest assortments of candy and international food and beverage favorites from around the world. We are especially renowned for our unparalleled Christmas Marketplace featuring traditional cakes, cookies, and candy from Europe and beyond as well as special and unique holiday decor, ranging from trendy and whimsical to time-honored and traditional. Our merchants search the globe for design inspiration, emerging trends, time-honored handicrafts, and foods and beverages that are beloved by different cultures and countries. Their mission is to provide a spirited shopping environment where customers can discover great quality and great value in our ever-changing, unique marketplace. World Market currently operates over 240 stores across the country in addition to our ecommerce site (worldmarket.com). We plan to continue growing with more stores opening in more places!

In this role, you will:
Lead and manage a team of merchants/demonstrate strong leadership behaviors: Lead a team of merchants in crafting business strategies and bringing those plans to life. Develop team members’ skillsets and capabilities; support professional growth opportunities. Hire and train new team members as needed.
Own the Business: Develop and execute strategies: Strategically construct assortments that meet financial metrics and excite our customers. Build assortment plans through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends. Immerse yourself in competition and the marketplace to understand the business and identify market opportunities. Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners. Attend vendor shows domestically and internationally (if appropriate for the business).
Drive the Business: Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility: Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners. Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution. Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations. Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans. Participate in all aspects of product development and design. Define promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability. Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs: Build relationships across functional areas including Marketing, Visual, Ecom, and Stores to represent the Division and capitalize on business opportunities. Manage vendor relationships: guide team on which vendors to work with and buy from; communicate direction and inspiration; negotiate best possible pricing, handle follow-up issues.

Requirements

• Passion for the business.
• A high level of business acumen, mental agility, and intellectual curiosity.
• A keen eye for style and trends.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to hire, train, develop, and retain direct reports.
• Resourcefulness: Critical thinking capabilities, creative problem solving, and taking appropriate risks.
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.
• An enthusiasm for travel and exploring and the ability to travel domestically and possibly internationally to vendor shows, showrooms, and factories as needed for your department.
• Excellent planning and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present opinions and ideas compellingly.
• Strong PC skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with merchandise software systems.
• Minimum 8-10 years buying and management experience with a multi-unit retailer including domestic and foreign travel and direct work with vendors.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of merchants/demonstrate strong leadership behaviors: Lead a team of merchants in crafting business strategies and bringing those plans to life.
• Develop team members’ skillsets and capabilities; support professional growth opportunities.
• Hire and train new team members as needed.
• Develop and execute strategies: Strategically construct assortments that meet financial metrics and excite our customers.
• Build assortment plans through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.
• Immerse yourself in competition and the marketplace to understand the business and identify market opportunities.
• Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners.
• Attend vendor shows domestically and internationally (if appropriate for the business).
• Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility: Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners.
• Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution.
• Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations.
• Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans.
• Participate in all aspects of product development and design.
• Define promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
• Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs: Build relationships across functional areas including Marketing, Visual, Ecom, and Stores to represent the Division and capitalize on business opportunities.
• Manage vendor relationships: guide team on which vendors to work with and buy from; communicate direction and inspiration; negotiate best possible pricing, handle follow-up issues.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and paid sick time
• 401(k) plan with Roth option and company match
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Sample Sales and up to 30% shopping discount on our unique finds for you and your designated shopper
• Work life balance and work from home flexibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree