At Wayfair, our people are at the heart of everything we do, bringing passion, innovation and a customer-first mindset to their work every day. In this edition of Behind the Box, we’re excited to introduce Ciara Thorpe, Manager of Supplier Management, whose journey at Wayfair is a testament to the power of a dynamic team.
Ciara joined Wayfair’s London office in 2018, drawn to the fast-paced environment and collaborative culture. Over the years, she’s navigated multiple roles—from starting on the Buying team to advancing into Category Management—where she now leads the UK Mattresses and Utility Bedding categories, along with UK Acquisition.
“Ciara is an absolute force,” says Casey Ogden, Senior Category Manager. “She brings energy to everything she does, tackling challenges head-on and finding creative ways to support her team and our customers. Her positivity is infectious, making a lasting impact on those around her.”
Read on to learn more about Ciara’s journey and the work she’s passionate about at Wayfair.
What has been the key to your long-term success at Wayfair?
Over the past seven years, I’ve seen a lot of professional change, both in my role and in my office location. So far, every transition I’ve been a part of has provided a valuable opportunity for continuous learning and growth. I think the diversity resulting from my internal mobility is what has kept me engaged and finding enjoyment in my day-to-day work.
Over your seven years with Wayfair, is there a memorable moment that stands out to you?
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to work in Wayfair’s Shanghai office for about three weeks to run a series of trainings on EU nuances for the Category Management teams. This experience helped me gain deeper insights into our diverse supplier base, appreciate cultural nuances and build strong connections with the EU Wayfair Global Sourcing team. The relationships I developed have continued to grow beyond the trip thanks to Wayfair’s coffee chat culture. I was also able to reconnect with the team when they visited the London office a few weeks ago!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received, and how has it impacted you?
In my first few months of onboarding, my manager advised me to focus on building an internal network! Taking this advice on board has allowed me to strengthen cross-functional collaboration, gain insights into teams I wouldn’t typically interact with, and make all the transitions I’ve gone through a lot easier and more successful. This guidance is as relevant and valuable now as it was in my first year at Wayfair!
What does “home” mean to you?
“Home" is where I feel most comfortable and relaxed. For me, that includes a comfy sofa (obviously from Wayfair!), a glass of wine and a good television show. I'm currently re-watching Grey’s Anatomy!
What’s your favorite Wayfair product that you’ve purchased?
My Emma Hybrid Original Mattress is the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on, and it would be a crime to not use this opportunity to encourage everyone to buy it!