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 Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. 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 Role:

The Assistant Project Manager, Food Development is responsible for project managing the development of new or expanded assortments or categories for the Food department. These responsibilities will include product/concept ideation and development of sales-generating food product, meeting key project milestones, driving the coordination of activities between external WS resources and its internal departments to meet project performance and delivery requirements. Additionally, the position will build supplier/vendor as well as cross-functional relationships to improve the development process and assist with anticipating/identifying/solving issues that result in late delivery of products.
 

Responsibilities:

Product Development

Identify and recommend new food products, concepts and business opportunitiesManage the timing and delivery of projects to launch deadlines. Liaise with external manufacturers/vendors and internal WS departments in carrying a project from concept to execution:Determine best vendors suited to work on projects based on their capabilitiesCoordinate tastings with Test Kitchen, lead tastings, collect team feedback, and provide objective feedback to vendorsPartner with Inventory Management to provide buy plans for products to vendorsNegotiate costing - Identify issues influencing cost challenges impacting project budgets and present solutions to vendors and merchant teamsCollaborate with Brand Packaging team to finalize product vessel and design within budgetReview packaging artwork proofs for assigned projects for accuracy

Culinary Expertise

Create enticing flavor profiles, flavor pairings and new product ideas that will entice the WS customerSuggest recipe adjustments as needed to vendor samplesAssist with troubleshooting recipes/samples not performing to optimal resultsSupport/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor baseIdentify new vendor partners and onboard them

Vendor Management/Sourcing

Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor baseIdentify new vendor partners and onboard them

Trend Analysis/Competitive Research

In development, research market for like product and manage comparison tasting Identify/analyze trends in food market space and provide observations of market to Buyer analyses on as needed basis. Competitive shop and keep abreast of current trends, seeking out potential opportunities for WS food assortment.Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats on as needed basis

Sample Management for Meetings

Create mocked up product for concept presentations

Manage Product Issues

As needed, contact vendors to gather information on product issues. Partner with Food Safety Compliance Manager and Merchant partners to determine best course of action.

 

Requirements:

2+ years culinary experience either in food development, food science, test kitchen, or food merchandising.  Previous business experience is a plus. In-depth knowledge of wide scope of culinary techniquesStrong palate with ability to identify flavor, texture, appearance nuancesBachelor's DegreeDemonstrates forward thinking, sense of urgency, follow-through, and problem solving skills.Ability to prioritize shifting urgent responsibilities.Displays sense of urgency and is a self starterExceptional organizational and project management skills: the candidate will be managing concurrent multiple projects at different stages of their lifecycleDetail-orientedStrong negotiation and analytical skillsExcellent written and verbal communication. Displays confidence and assertiveness.People relationship skills: ability to motivate suppliers/vendors and their teams, provide direction to the WS food team, form strong partnerships and collaboration with cross-functional teamsAbility to prioritize between multiple urgent requests while accomplishing each task thoroughlyDemonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standardsExerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday 

 

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 $30 - 32.69/hr. 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.