Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Assistant Project Manager, Food Development - Williams Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma, Inc., San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
About the Role
The Assistant Project Manager, Food Development
is responsible for project managing the development of new or expanded assortments or categories for the Food department. These responsibilities include product/concept ideation and development of sales-generating food products, meeting key project milestones, and coordinating activities between external WS resources and internal departments to meet project performance and delivery requirements. The role also builds supplier/vendor and cross-functional relationships to improve the development process and helps anticipate/identify/solve issues that could result in late delivery of products.
Responsibilities
Product Development
Identify and recommend new food products, concepts and business opportunities
Manage the timing and delivery of projects to launch deadlines. Liaise with external manufacturers/vendors and internal WS departments to carry a project from concept to execution:
Determine best vendors suited to work on projects based on their capabilities
Coordinate tastings with Test Kitchen, lead tastings, collect team feedback, and provide objective feedback to vendors
Partner with Inventory Management to provide buy plans for products to vendors
Negotiate costing - identify issues influencing cost challenges impacting project budgets and present solutions to vendors and merchant teams
Collaborate with Brand Packaging team to finalize product vessel and design within budget
Review packaging artwork proofs for assigned projects for accuracy
Culinary Expertise
Create enticing flavor profiles, flavor pairings and new product ideas that will entice the WS customer
Suggest recipe adjustments as needed to vendor samples
Assist with troubleshooting recipes/samples not performing to optimal results
Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor base
Identify new vendor partners and onboard them
Vendor Management/Sourcing
Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor base
Identify new vendor partners and onboard them
Trend Analysis/Competitive Research
In development, research market for like product and manage comparison tastings
Identify/analyze trends in the food market space and provide observations to Buyers as needed. Conduct competitive shopping and stay current on trends to identify potential opportunities for WS food assortment.
Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats as needed
Sample Management for Meetings
Create mocked-up products for concept presentations
Manage Product Issues
As needed, contact vendors to gather information on product issues. Partner with the Food Safety Compliance Manager and Merchant partners to determine the best course of action.
Onsite Requirement
This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday
Requirements
2+ years of culinary experience in food development, food science, test kitchen, or food merchandising. Previous business experience is a plus.
In-depth knowledge of a wide scope of culinary techniques
Strong palate with ability to identify flavor, texture, and appearance nuances
Bachelor's Degree
Demonstrates forward thinking, sense of urgency, follow-through, and problem solving skills
Ability to prioritize shifting urgent responsibilities
Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency
Exceptional organizational and project management skills: ability to manage multiple projects at different lifecycle stages
Detail-oriented
Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication; confident and assertive
People relationship skills: ability to motivate suppliers/vendors and their teams, provide direction to the WS food team, and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Ability to prioritize multiple urgent requests while completing each task thoroughly
Commitment to high professional ethical standards
Physical requirement: ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects
Onsite requirement: this role is onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday
Our Culture & Values We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing.
People First
Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:
Benefits
A generous discount on all WSI brands
A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
Tax-free commuter benefits
A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
Continued Learning
In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
Resources for self-development
Advisor (Mentor) program
Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series
WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or sponsor an individual for this position (e.g., H-1B or other employment-based immigration).
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local laws and ordinances.
The expected starting pay range for this position is $30 - 32.69/hr. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.
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is responsible for project managing the development of new or expanded assortments or categories for the Food department. These responsibilities include product/concept ideation and development of sales-generating food products, meeting key project milestones, and coordinating activities between external WS resources and internal departments to meet project performance and delivery requirements. The role also builds supplier/vendor and cross-functional relationships to improve the development process and helps anticipate/identify/solve issues that could result in late delivery of products.
Responsibilities
Product Development
Identify and recommend new food products, concepts and business opportunities
Manage the timing and delivery of projects to launch deadlines. Liaise with external manufacturers/vendors and internal WS departments to carry a project from concept to execution:
Determine best vendors suited to work on projects based on their capabilities
Coordinate tastings with Test Kitchen, lead tastings, collect team feedback, and provide objective feedback to vendors
Partner with Inventory Management to provide buy plans for products to vendors
Negotiate costing - identify issues influencing cost challenges impacting project budgets and present solutions to vendors and merchant teams
Collaborate with Brand Packaging team to finalize product vessel and design within budget
Review packaging artwork proofs for assigned projects for accuracy
Culinary Expertise
Create enticing flavor profiles, flavor pairings and new product ideas that will entice the WS customer
Suggest recipe adjustments as needed to vendor samples
Assist with troubleshooting recipes/samples not performing to optimal results
Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor base
Identify new vendor partners and onboard them
Vendor Management/Sourcing
Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor base
Identify new vendor partners and onboard them
Trend Analysis/Competitive Research
In development, research market for like product and manage comparison tastings
Identify/analyze trends in the food market space and provide observations to Buyers as needed. Conduct competitive shopping and stay current on trends to identify potential opportunities for WS food assortment.
Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats as needed
Sample Management for Meetings
Create mocked-up products for concept presentations
Manage Product Issues
As needed, contact vendors to gather information on product issues. Partner with the Food Safety Compliance Manager and Merchant partners to determine the best course of action.
Onsite Requirement
This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday
Requirements
2+ years of culinary experience in food development, food science, test kitchen, or food merchandising. Previous business experience is a plus.
In-depth knowledge of a wide scope of culinary techniques
Strong palate with ability to identify flavor, texture, and appearance nuances
Bachelor's Degree
Demonstrates forward thinking, sense of urgency, follow-through, and problem solving skills
Ability to prioritize shifting urgent responsibilities
Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency
Exceptional organizational and project management skills: ability to manage multiple projects at different lifecycle stages
Detail-oriented
Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication; confident and assertive
People relationship skills: ability to motivate suppliers/vendors and their teams, provide direction to the WS food team, and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Ability to prioritize multiple urgent requests while completing each task thoroughly
Commitment to high professional ethical standards
Physical requirement: ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects
Onsite requirement: this role is onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday
Our Culture & Values We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing.
People First
Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:
Benefits
A generous discount on all WSI brands
A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
Tax-free commuter benefits
A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
Continued Learning
In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
Resources for self-development
Advisor (Mentor) program
Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series
WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or sponsor an individual for this position (e.g., H-1B or other employment-based immigration).
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local laws and ordinances.
The expected starting pay range for this position is $30 - 32.69/hr. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.
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