Senior Manager, Buying at Cantoni, LLC

Description

WHERE MODERN DESIGN BEGAN

Over forty years ago, Cantoni opened its first showroom with a single obsession: to bring the style, quality, and bold design of European furnishings to the United States. From Los Angeles to Washington DC—and every skyline in between—our showrooms have become coveted destinations where visionary architects, interior designers, tastemakers, and discerning consumers discover modern living at its most elevated.

Our highly curated collection spans over 300 of the finest European brands, bespoke Italian kitchens, and custom closet systems—all delivered with the concierge precision that made Cantoni the benchmark of contemporary luxury in the United States.

And yet, one thing hasn’t changed: our belief that the most enduring design businesses are built one transformative relationship at a time—by entrepreneurial designers who treat every project like a legacy, not a transaction

ABOUT THE POSITION:

As a Senior Mgr, Buying at Cantoni, you will be a key leader in shaping our product strategy, elevating our assortment, and driving sustainable growth. This role requires deep expertise in the luxury furniture market, particularly Italian design, along with a proven history of strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship leadership. You will be responsible for identifying and securing exceptional pieces, negotiating favorable terms, and optimizing inventory to maximize profitability.

In addition to owning critical vendor and category strategies, you will mentor and guide associate buyers, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement. By partnering closely with internal cross functional teams, you will ensure an efficient and seamless product lifecycle that aligns with Cantoni’s brand vision. This role will bring a discerning eye for design, strong business acumen, and a passion for developing both product and people.

DELIVERABLES:

• Provide strategic leadership to a team of category buyers, ensuring alignment of buying decisions with the company’s overall vision, brand positioning, and financial goals.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive vendor strategy across 150+ vendors spanning  Italian, U.S., and Asian manufacturers.
• Drive product and vendor selection to curate assortments that balance design vision, customer demand, and margin targets.
• Lead vendor negotiations on pricing, terms, and exclusivity agreements, ensuring competitive costs and favorable payment terms.
• Make strategic decisions on stocked inventory versus special-order product mix to optimize sales while managing working capital risk.
• Approve and oversee purchase orders, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment  with inventory strategies.
• Monitor category performance and adjust buying strategies to prevent poor product decisions that could negatively impact revenue, margins, or cash flow.
• Partner with finance and operations to manage inventory levels, open-to-buy budgets, and vendor payment schedules.
• Lead quarterly vendor reviews and category performance assessments, driving accountability for buyers and suppliers.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, especially in Italian luxury furniture and other international markets, ensuring the product assortment remains competitive and differentiated.
• Mentor and develop the buying team to strengthen vendor relationships, product expertise, and negotiation skills.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

· 5 -7 years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience, with a focus on furniture or home furnishings.

· Proven track record in vendor negotiations, product selection, and inventory management.

· Strong understanding of the financial impact of buying decisions on working capital, margins, and revenue.

· Direct experience with Italian vendors preferred; U.S. and Asian sourcing experience required.

· Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a buying team.

· Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate category performance, margins, and sales trends.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with vendors and internal teams.

· Bachelor’s degree in business, merchandising, or related field (MBA a plus).