Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn teen, pottery barn kids, Rejuvenation, Mark & Graham, west elm, or Outward. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

About the Team

In Product Development and Design, we drive and manage sample development from concept through to production, working hand-in-hand with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing team members.

 

Role Overview

As a Designer, you will support new product lines and product development processes for each season for specific departments that reflect mood, market trends and business needs. You assist product development meetings and participate as a one of the communicators for agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to assure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met. Not only are you part of the design process, but you will also support the Director and Head Design Manager to manage and collaborate with rest of the team.

 

Responsibilities  

Seasonal Engagement

Schedule and create agenda for the weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions Access business results and support changes that arise from weekly business meetings Assist and support seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management Design and develop specs and concept boards while managing concept all the way through product approval 

Product Development Strategy

Ability to provide insights and training that aligns with team objectives  Contribute effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results    Proactively support calendar to recognize milestones and key dates Develop strong business acumen to support each season; understand brand and financial goals, support business and seasonal strategy Recognize key fashion trends and analyze what competition is doing to bring new business opportunities or trends to the team

Team Collaboration

Utilize Product Lifecycle Management shared with cross-functional teams to review status of development process Has strong cross-functional partnership with Williams Sonoma Global Operations country partners, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color team.  Has ability to clearly communicate the needs with Williams Sonoma Global Operations vendor partners and sourcing in order for vendors to execute design vision  Support department business needs and ability to bring new ideas for specs and concept board Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise

 

Criteria  

Design Experience

Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience Minimum 3 years retail product design experience Degree in Design or equivalent experience. Experience designing (category specific product); keeping materials and pricing in mind.    Experience in identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.   Must have an aspirational taste-level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trends.    Mass manufacturing experience in retail environment (A plus) Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic (A plus) Knowledge of constructions and technical design.  Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand

Personal Leadership

Ability to work independently as well as with a team in a fast-paced environment Ability to prioritize, multi-task and adapt to change  Extremely organized, efficient and detail-oriented – excellent calendar adherence and ownership Excellent time management and communication skills Excellent cross functional skills and partnership with merchandisers and product development team Demonstrate visible leadership at the team and division level, and initiate opportunities for continuous improvement

Technical Proficiency

Must be technically versed in (category specific product), creating detailed specs, product reviews and feedback to vendors.    Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator (plus for Studio), Photoshop, Computer-aided design, work management system, and 3D modeling skills 

Competencies

Understand brand aesthetic, a creative and inspirational thinker Not only are you design minded, but also business minded High aptitude and agility to organize communications Proactive when making strategic decisions; engage in the process Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines  Confidence in cross-functional collaboration and teamwork through each season and process

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time  Ability to type on a keyboard and operate a PC  Ability to converse over a telephone  Ability to transport materials or equipment or lifting, moving, carrying objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis  Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment  This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office 4 to 5 days per week

 

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. Our associates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, so they can be their best and achieve their personal and professional goals.   We make inclusivity a cornerstone of our culture by welcoming associates with diverse cultures and backgrounds and celebrating them, together.  We nurture an open, inclusive environment for all. Our differences—whatever they may be—are valued, explored, and appreciated. Together, we’re creating a more just and inclusive company culture where the only criteria for advancement are: 

The quality of our work The contributions we make to our teams and the business Our ability to lead and connect

We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Outside of WSI, we recognize the importance of playing a part in our communities through partnerships, collaborations, and commitments to a more just and inclusive world.

 

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: 
 

Benefits

A generous discount on all WSI brands A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits Tax-free commuter benefits A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

Continued Learning

In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities  Resources for self-development Advisor (Mentor) program Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series    

 

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 $80,000 - $90,000. 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.