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 Head Design Manager, you will manage and deliver new product lines and product development processes for each season for specific departments that reflect mood, market trends and business needs. You will set up and manage product development meetings and be the main communicator for agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to assure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met. You will need the desire and ability to manage and develop associates. Not only are you part of the design process, but you will also support a Director and/or VP to manage and guide the rest of the team.

 

Responsibilities  

Seasonal Engagement

Manage and create weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions Attend business meetings; ability react to the business results and lead changes that arise from these weekly meetings Assemble, lead, and present seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management  Generate specs and concept boards while owning and managing concept all the way through product approval in distribution center 

People Management

Manage direct reports of various levels: technical designers, designers, and coordinators Clarify objectives, assess performance, and provide regular feedback to those assisting you    Ability to interview candidates and make hiring recommendations that aligns with team objectives 

Product Development Strategy

Determine priorities and workload; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results Engage with senior management on in-season problem solving, escalating concerns, and collaborate to ensure each season is prioritized Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise Drives calendar to ensure all deadlines and key dates are met    Has strong business acumen to support each season; understand brand and financial goals, execute business and seasonal strategy Gathers market data and 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 Has clear understanding of department business needs and guides Product Development team to design accordingly   

 

Criteria  

Design Experience

Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience Minimum 7 years retail product design experience Degree in Design or equivalent experience (Masters Degree in design a plus) Experience designing (category specific product); keeping materials and pricing in mind  Experience in identifying and presenting trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.   Domestic and oversees experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic High level mass manufacturing experience in retail environment Knowledge of constructions and technical design is a plus  Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand

Personal Leadership

Must have an aspirational taste-level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trends.    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

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, 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; owning the process Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines  Confidence in leading others and team 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 $110,000 - $130,000. 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.