The Custom Spaces Assortment Manager position is responsible for all activities associated with the strategy and execution of the Preston Custom Spaces product assortment. This position manages domestic and international suppliers for all components of the Preston Product line to optimize cost and inventory. The Custom Spaces Assortment Manager places all orders, sets the pricing strategies, partners with leadership and marketing to formulate the promotional calendar, and works with the marketing and visual teams on in-store and digital displays. They act as the conduit of the customer, they stay on the forefront of relevant industry trends, and they are the experts on the competitive landscape. This is a full-time, salaried exempt position.

Position Reports To

EVP, Custom Spaces Outside Sales & Operations

What We Stand For  

Established in 1978, The Container Store has grown to be the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States and the only national retailer solely devoted to the category. We provide creative, multifunctional, customizable storage and organization solutions that help our customers save time, save space and improve the quality of their lives. We foster a culture built around our Foundation Principles, which define how we approach our relationships with our employees, vendors, customers and communities and influence every aspect of our business. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and guides Strategic Assortment Direction to maintain a competitive advantage in the industry, inclusive of board finishes, doors and drawers, special features, lighting, hardware, and other accessories
• Responsible for identifying suppliers and establishing mutually beneficial supplier relationships
• Negotiates and obtains the best pricing and terms possible as well as product differentiation from our competition.
• Sets pricing and promotional strategies to be competitive in the industry and achieve financial goals
• Researches industry trends and engages with the vendor community to stay current on trends
• Reviews product performance and analyzes sales trends to develop a strategic course of action
• Manages product refreshes and new product introductions, and partners cross-functionally to ensure a seamless transition across all touchpoints
• Develops and implements Production/Manufacturing Specs for all products in assortment
• Develops a process to measure and document products vs standards and chargeback when SLAs are not met
• Leads and directs vendor meetings, communicating the processes, principles, and values of The Container Store
• Understands our vendor compliance policies and practices and communicates these clearly to existing and future suppliers
• Maintains product and supplier information in our databases and relevant systems
• Manages Purchasing & Inventory Manager, incorporating them in multiple aspects of the business
• Responsible for maintaining discretion related to all confidential/sensitive company and customer information
• Performs other requested tasks and duties

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
• We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.

For our full-time associates, we offer even more:

• Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
• Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
• Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
• Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.
• Thriving with diversity: Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the community, while having a space to connect, support one another, and celebrate cultural heritages.

But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.

Experience and Skills Required

• College degree required
• Experience in custom spaces, cabinetry, wood industry and/or retail strongly preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in buying, merchandising or design industry
• Based in Dallas/Ft. Worth area or Elmhurst, IL with ability to work in office 3 days a week
• Passion for consumer products and home décor with a discerning eye for design and strong point of view in design, and ability to articulate The Container Store brand
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude that exemplifies our guiding principles
• Experience managing others including career development, directing, and evaluating work
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing, at all levels within and outside the organization
• Strong knowledge of merchandising terminology, functions and analysis including retail math
• Ability to learn and comprehend merchandising systems, forecasting systems, design systems, and the fundamentals of supply chain management and logistics
• Ability to quickly separate the mission-critical tasks from the lower priority tasks; focuses on the most value-added projects of the day or week
• Flexible, with a positive attitude and passion for knowledge
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once
• Possesses focused attention to detail while working quickly and accurately under pressure
• Makes strategic and effective decisions in the best interest of our customers and our company, taking care to objectively process information
• Ability to travel 20% a year, based on the business needs
• Strong computer skills: proficiency in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and significant knowledge of Excel

Company will not pay costs associated with immigration sponsorship.

The Container Store promotes a smoke-free, drug-free environment.  
 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act 

Office Physical Requirements 

State Specific Notices