Director, DMM - Food

Director, DMM, Food

Position summary:

Williams-Sonoma seeks a Director, DMM, Food to join our team and develop the food business strategies that keep our brand at the forefront of the culinary world. The ideal candidate will identify new product and category opportunities and drive the strategic direction for our food business. S/he will manage both the merchandising and product development teams.

Responsibilities:

• Identify the strategic direction for the food division which includes food merchandising and food product development. Communicate the vision and inspire team to develop business plans and identify new opportunities. Implement tactical plans derived from strategy by working across functional areas.
• Review category strategy for department to ensure current food trends are capitalized upon.
• Review and approve strategic plans to explore new food business opportunities, product mix to ensure all collections have a cohesive look and meets standards, final samples, annual and seasonal financial plans to maximize sales and profits, and seasonal assortment plans (line lists) to ensure product is appropriate for brand.
• Present concepts to President and CEO for final signoff.
• Lead and facilitate divisional meetings across functions and channels. Manage information flow cross functionally (Inventory Management, Test Kitchen, Visual Merchandising) and across channels to maximize sales and profits.
• Excellent team player with an eagerness to do a bit of everything.
• Exceptional communicator who leads and contributes to discussions.
• Possesses strong business and operational senses; able to balance and address conflicting needs and timelines of multiple stakeholders.
• Strong problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Proven success leading and inspiring a team.
• Work closely with visual merchandising to plan floor layouts for division.
• Review markdown strategies.
• Manage a staff of 10 providing direction and clarity on business objectives. Mentor, educate and develop staff to ensure they are growing and developing.
• Evaluate work load of all team member. Recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
• Regularly shop competitors to keep abreast of trends. Travel overseas to identify emerging themes and new inspirations.
• Participate in key company strategic initiatives and steering committees as requested/required.

Qualifications:

• 10 -15 years prior experience in Food Buying and / or Specialty Merchandising. Premium food merchandising experience preferred, with demonstrated successes in identifying food trends.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field of study, or equivalent experience required.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship