Buyer

With over 58 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. 

This role is challenging – above and beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, you’ll have a big role within a fast-paced team. The Buyer position is based out of our Sur La Table Headquarters in Seattle, Washington and contributes to SLT’s  success and is responsible for the growth and profitability of one or more high profile business categories. Key areas of accountability include identifying product trends, developing and executing core and seasonal product strategies, and vendor relations. The Buyer works closely with all cross functional areas including Planning, Stores, Ecommerce, Product Development, Creative and the Marketing team to ensure seamless execution of the department strategic vision. This position requires constant exercise of discretion in prioritization of work. 

 This position will report into the Director of Merchandising

• Analyze past performance, develop, communicate and execute seasonal and core department strategies.
• Own the department KPIs including sales, gross margin dollars, initial and maintained margin rates, sell-through, open-to-buy, and on time delivery.  Build recovery plans when off-track.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategy for core and seasonal products while understanding the impact of tariffs to demand and profitability.
• Partner with internal product development team, as well as domestic and foreign partners to drive product development and product needs in both core and seasonal categories
• Identify product trends using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Partner on inventory health with planning through open-to-buy management, minimum order quantity negotiations, investment alignment and profitable transition and exit plans.
• Build quarterly line plans and assign key metrics in line with department initiatives and goals.
• Provide leadership, direction, mentoring and coaching to staff.
• Collaborate with visual team to ensure monthly floorsets are reflected of both core and seasonal initiatives
• Partner with creative team to drive packaging and signage needs for both core and seasonal products
• Work with each direct report to establish goals and objectives and monitor and advise on progress to ensure business results are achieved and to enhance the professional development of staff.
• Cultivate strong relationships both internally to Sur La Table and externally with vendors.
• Communicate complex ideas and or concepts clearly, concisely and effectively to multiple audiences.
• Lead vendor business planning including negotiating product launches, pricing, timing, and exclusivity. Negotiate funding for training, promotions and co-op programs.
• Partner with Planning & Allocation to determine order quantities, receipt flow and product life cycle.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure the in store and online experience and marketing reflect the strategic direction.
•  Additional responsibilities to support the function as assigned by manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or related field. Relevant work experience considered in lieu of education.
• 2+ years experience in Buyer Role, preferably in a hard-goods omni-channel retail environment.
• 2+ years in private label product development (preferred)
• 2+ years managing and negotiating with vendors and third-party brands
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of housewares industry and relevant product lines.
• Strong analytical ability and retail math skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).  Preferred experience with Wrike, Microstrategy, and Smartsheet.
• 2+ years leading and supervising the work of others
• Analytical rigor: applies structured, data-driven problem-solving approaches to identify trends, diagnose issues, and recommend actionable solutions.
• AI Literacy: leverages AI-powered tools (e.g., data storytelling, AI-driven analytics tools, workflow automation) to improve efficiency and effectiveness.Applies structured, data-driven problem-solving approaches to identify trends, diagnose issues, and recommend actionable solutions.
• Leverages AI-powered tools (e.g., data storytelling, AI-driven analytics tools, workflow automation) to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Willingness to travel to markets, trade shows and factories as needed

• Executive Access: Work directly with brand CEOs and senior leadership, solving real business problems and earning mentorship from top operators. 
• AI-First Skill Building: Get hands-on with the most advanced AI tools in the market. From automation to prompt engineering, you’ll build a modern tech stack that sets you apart in any industry. 
• Accelerated Career Path: High performers are quickly entrusted with greater responsibility, new challenges, and leadership opportunities across our portfolio of brands. 
• Competitive benefits: Paid time off policies, 401(k)/RRSP match, medical/dental/vision and a variety of supplemental policies, and employee discounts at our portfolio companies

• 📞 Step 1: If you align with our vision and meet the qualifications, we’ll reach out to schedule a conversation and introduce CSC. 
•  🧠 Step 2: You’ll complete a short AI or product-building challenge so we can understand how you approach problems and execution. 
• 💬 Step 3: Participate in deep-dive interviews with CSC leadership focused on your experience, product mindset, and operational thinking. 
• 📩 Step 4: Offer. We’ll move fast for the right candidate.  

Washington state applicants only: If you believe that this job posting does not comply with applicable Washington state law, please notify us by sending an email to [email protected].

The CSC 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. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie-detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The CSC 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].