Designer, Textiles - Williams Sonoma Home

About the Team

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

About the Role 

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 to collaborate with rest of the team.

Responsibilities 

Design Development

• Schedule and create agenda for the weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions
• Work with team to maintain visual line list and presentation in deck and board format 
• Support changes that arise from weekly business meetings
• Assist and support seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management
• Translate seasonal concept direction into cohesive and innovative collections by designing and developing specs and concept boards
• Manage the daily functions of the development process, both physically and digitally   
• Work diligently with overseas partners and vendors to achieve desired quality and look  
• Ensure all technical specifications are submitted and conduct communication with vendors, including making comments on samples, and sending product approvals via PLM
• Collaborate with the studio team to develop prints and patterns that align with the seasonal concept and are product appropriate
• Understanding of fabric qualities and constructions, techniques, and how they affect price points, look, and end use 
• Work proactively according to development calendar to stay ahead of timelines 

Product Development Strategy

• 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, and sourcing. 
• 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 (including password) of current and past experience
• Minimum 3 years retail product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience
• Experience designing home textiles; keeping materials and pricing in mind
• Knowledge of fabrics, constructions, and technical design preferred
• 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 preferred
• (A plus) Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic
• 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 home textiles, 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 PLM 

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
• This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office 

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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. 

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 - $85,000. 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.