Sample Coordinator

Sur La Table's Merchandising, Creative, and Integrated Brand Marketing teams all depend on the same physical samples for photoshoots, floor set builds, milestone meetings, and campaign production, but no centralized coordination exists today. This role builds and owns the sample tracking system from the ground up, serving as the operational backbone that ensures the right products are in the right place at the right time. This is a lean team, so the role involves owning a lot, moving fast, and making decisions with full end-to-end responsibility.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain a centralized sample tracking system; Manage a shared sample calendar so Creative, Merchandising, and Integrated Brand Marketing never double-book items; Track pre-production samples separately from live/post-production inventory; Receive, organize, and log merchandise samples daily; break down packaging and maintain a clean, organized shipping area; Manage the sample shed, ensuring samples are correctly identified, stored, and retrievable; Request missing samples from the distribution center, ship samples with proper documentation, and alert receivers with tracking information; Prepare and stage samples for test kitchen sessions, visual floor sets, department resets, style-outs, and milestone meetings; Coordinate sample preparation and logistics for all photoshoot types; Coordinate pre-production samples for creator partnerships, table-setting content, and high-complexity shoots; Support intake, packing, and shipping workflows for image harvest sessions; Proactively communicate sample availability, conflicts, and timing to cross-functional partners; Manage sample transitions, giveaways, and return-to-vendor processes

Requirements

1+ years of retail experience and/or experience in an office environment; Demonstrated ability to manage details, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines across competing priorities; Must be available to work onsite at Seattle HQ at least 4 days per week, with flexibility for photoshoots, floor sets, and sample-heavy periods; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional teams; Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; comfortable learning additional programs and software; Baseline AI user capability for tracking, documentation, and MS Office work; Ability to lift equipment, boxes, and merchandise samples up to 40 lbs; Ability to work on your feet for multiple hours a day

Nice to have

Sur La Table product knowledge; Experience in a relevant merchandising, creative, or marketing category

Benefits

Paid time off policies; 401(k) match; Medical, dental, and vision coverage; Variety of supplemental policies; Employee discounts across the portfolio of brands; Training and development with a clear path to grow within a creative retail organization