Assistant Project Manager, Food Development - Williams Sonoma

Assistant Project Manager, Food Development

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 will include product / concept ideation and development of sales-generating food product, meeting key project milestones, driving the coordination of activities between external WS resources and its internal departments to meet project performance and delivery requirements. Additionally, the position will build supplier / vendor as well as cross-functional relationships to improve the development process and assist with anticipating / identifying / solving issues that result in late delivery of products.

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 in carrying 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

Vendor Management / Sourcing

Trend Analysis / Competitive Research

Sample Management for Meetings

Manage Product Issues

Requirements

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 :

Continued Learning

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, 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 for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances. The expected starting pay range for this position is $30 - 32.69 / hr. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. 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.