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

The Pottery Barn Kids design team consists of highly creative, collaborative, and technical thinkers. As part of the team, you’ll bring your ideas to the discussion. Our role is to create both practical and innovative products with childhood in mind.

 

About the Role 

As the Head Design Manager for Nursery & Seasonal Textiles, you will lead the design development of all Textile products. Each season you will work closely with the Design Director to translate concepts into cohesive product assortments. You will develop concepts that reflect the mood, market trends, business needs, and quarterly customer mindset. You will help steer a team of designers, as well as work closely with a wide range of cross functional teams to see designs through to fruition.

 

Responsibilities 

Lead and manage daily functions of the Textiles team based on merchandising needs.  Manage and inspire a team of designers throughout the design process. Oversee design and development of all new developments across Textiles.  Collaborate with the Design Director to provide feedback for all Textile developments, while building strong relationships with merchandising and sourcing partners. Collaborate with the Design Director and Design Supervisors to define the look and feel for Textiles each quarter.  Gather market research to identify product opportunities by bringing forward upcoming design trends. Seek design references rooted in historical research, archives, and unique details.  Participate in design research to influence quarterly concepts and seasonal point of view.  Lead product pairings to align with seasonal look and feel for furniture and accessories. Collaborate with the Design Director and Design Supervisor to create quarterly color palettes and color direction.  Support the Textiles design teams by providing constructive feedback throughout the quarterly development process.  Work directly with global WSI offices and vendors to produce and sample products on time.  Participate in weekly product development meetings to support the Textiles teams.  Review product samples and provide comments to maintain quality standards and design intent.  Travel to factories and trade shows both domestically and internationally, as needed. Track and manage product development tracker, budget, and finish standards for Textiles.  Attend milestone presentations on a quarterly cadence for Textiles. 

 

Criteria

Minimum 7 years product design experience, preferably soft goods for home and/or fashion. Experience developing products for a retail brand within the housewares industry. Ability to navigate four quarters across two growth product categories.  Knowledge of Textiles construction and materials (fabrics, printing, weaving, and silhouettes) Knowledge of Textile construction and materials for a breadth of product types (bath textiles, throw pillows, bedding, baby accessories, pajamas, costumes, etc). Experience designing housewares products within a quarterly launch cadence.  Proven record of managing a team of designers within a retail brand.  Ability to maintain brand standards for technical specs across multiple product categories.  Project management experience to present designs and samples on time.  Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud software for print, pattern, and presentations (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign).  Collaborative and passionate about design, process, and team building.  Ability to work with a broad range of internal and external personalities. Strong leadership skills with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback.  Demonstrates flexibility and positivity to build a positive team culture.  Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to solve complex problems with creative solutions.  Highly motivated, collaborative, and detail oriented.  Willingness to dive in and get things done; respectfully and resourcefully. This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office  

#LI-LG1

 

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.