Merchandise Operations Lead

Job Summary:

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of home furnishings in the United States and Canada. Our brands are among the best known and respected in the industry, including Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, and West Elm. We successfully market our brands through three major channels – retail stores, catalogs, and the internet. One of the key growth strategies for Williams-Sonoma Inc. is global expansion. This expansion will be done through company-owned & operated stores/DTC channels, and through strategic franchise partnerships.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Team Lead for the Merchandise Operations team is responsible for overseeing and managing SKU-related operations, including SKU Creation, maintenance, and partial SKU setup. This role ensures accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency in all SKU processes while supporting cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, organizational skills, and an ability to foster collaboration within the team and with other departments.

This position reports to the Manager, Merchandise Operations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Oversee the end-to-end process for SKU creation, updates, and partial SKU setups to meet business requirements.
• Ensure SKU data accuracy across systems and address discrepancies proactively.
• Maintain SKU lifecycle management, including activation, updates, and deactivation in line with business needs.
• Lead and mentor a team of merchandise operations associates, providing guidance, support, and training as needed.
• Allocate tasks effectively, monitor performance, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Foster a collaborative and productive team environment, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement best practices and streamlined workflows for SKU management.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including sourcing, inventory, IT, and finance, to resolve issues and ensure alignment on SKU-related processes.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements to enhance team efficiency.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding SKU-related inquiries and updates.
• Provide regular updates and reports to leadership on team performance and operational metrics.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures in SKU management.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for SKU processes, guidelines, and system updates.

JOB HOLDER’S COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years relevant experience in merchandise operations, SKU management, or a similar role.
• Proven experience in leading teams, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in merchandise systems (e.g., RMS, Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrate time management, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills.
• Must be flexible & able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Previous experience in merchandise operations, inventory management, or a related role is highly desirable.