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.
Role Overview
As a Head Design Manager, Decorative Accessories, 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 ensure 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.
This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Friday.
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 decorative accessories; 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
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
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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
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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 $112,000 - $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.
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