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 Team
You will be a part of a collaborative team responsible for driving and managing sample development from concept through to production, working together with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing team members. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a leader in home lifestyle and retail, our Product Development and Design team brings customer-centered, trend-forward products to life through seasonal collaboration, innovation, and cross-brand alignment.
About the Role
As a Technical Designer: Furniture Soft Goods, Fabric, and Leather, 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 one of the communicators for agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to ensure 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 the rest of the team.
This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday.
Responsibilities
Seasonal Engagement
Schedule and create agendas 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 cushion specifications for seasonal Indoor and Outdoor Furniture Developments
Provide feedback, corrections, and approvals on cushion fit, finish, and comfort for seasonal indoor and outdoor furniture developments
Assist in researching new fabric and leather trends, technologies, and developments in the market.
Support the development of new fabric and leather concepts and innovations.
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
Create and maintain technical documentation for all cushion patterns
Coordinate and manage fabric and leather samples from suppliers.
Organize and maintain sample library for easy access by design and merchant teams
Document test results and provide feedback to fabric and leather developers.
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 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
Provide administrative support such as organizing meetings, preparing presentations, and maintaining records related to fabric and leather development.
Criteria
Design Experience
Degree in Design or equivalent experience.
Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience
Minimum 3 years soft goods design and fabric & leather development experience
In depth knowledge of furniture cushion construction and technical design.
Knowledge of fabric and leather properties, weaving/knitting techniques, dyeing, and finishing processes
Experience designing soft goods / upholstery; keeping materials and pricing in mind.
Experience in soft goods pattern making and upholstery fill and fabrication
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
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 soft goods / upholstery technical design, 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
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
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 - $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.