Trade Associate

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and the brands they represent, is the premier specialty retailer of high quality home furnishings in the United States and Canada. Known for their outstanding customer service, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, west elm and Williams-Sonoma are among the most iconic and well respected retail brands in North America. We market our products and engage our customers through three major channels — retail stores, catalogues, and the Internet.

We believe our Company has limitless potential, driven by our associates and their imagination, passion and commitment. We provide an exciting and creative work environment, along with a variety of opportunities for professional as well as personal growth. Our associates receive a generous discount on products as well as a variety of benefits including a competitive pension plan, employee assistance program and service recognition gifts.

SUMMARY

The Trade Associate encompasses the ability to effectively establish and manage relationships with existing trade members as well as proactively build brand awareness for the company by introducing the brand to new business opportunities. Provide strategic selling and problem-solving skills to grow and develop business and cultivating sales channels. This “startup” position requires mental flexibility, a “get to yes” mentality and an open to learn positive attitude.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide sincere, friendly and energetic customer service by exemplifying World-Class service standards.
• Achieve established sales and contest goals.
• Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions.
• Assist customers with special services including: locating merchandise, catalogue orders, special orders, back orders, charge sends, courier deliveries, and furniture orders.
• Utilise effective selling techniques to build multiple sales and increase productivity.
• Demonstrate comprehensive product knowledge, including features and benefits.
• Efficiently and accurately perform register transactions (e.g. sales, returns and exchanges, etc.)
• Assist in implementation and maintenance of visual merchandise presentation, signage and lighting.
• Uphold store maintenance and cleanliness standards.
• Straighten, clean and help maintain stockroom as needed.
• Process, ticket, and restock merchandise as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Work with trade members guiding them through the shopping and order placement and servicing their entire follow up request including estimates, order entry and special requests.
• Fastidious in managing leads, from recording contact info at initial inquiry through follow up relationship management.
• Take a systematic approach to servicing member base to ensure all opportunities are actively pursued and all member relationships are continuously cultivated.
• Cultivate new member business by staying abreast of industry news, trends, projects, and attending events and being alert to all market opportunities.
• Play a key role in achieving store’s monthly, quarterly and annual sales goals.
• Attend and represent the company at design events and trade shows.
• Proactively promote new products to existing clients.

EXPERIENCE

• 1-2 years retail sales experience, (specialty retail preferred, but not required.)
• 1-2 years customer service experience.
• Proven ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCIES

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and the ability to influence business partners at all levels.
• Proficient computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet software programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time.
• Availability to work a minimum of three shifts per week, minimum of three Saturdays per month and two Sundays per month, annual inventories and entire holiday season (November and December).
• Ability to lift and mobilise medium to large items, up to 30kg, while utilising appropriate lifting equipment and safety techniques.
• Ability to operate POS system.

EDUCATION

Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) preferred.

This position description is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and can be changed without notice.