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.

As a Design Assistant, 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 will work closely with Senior Management and Designers to ensure new developments are communicated to vendors overseas. You will support senior design team with day-to-day tasks in design development process and assure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met.

This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities  

Seasonal Engagement

• Assist Designers to organize and prepare for the weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions

• Assist and support seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management

• Assist Designers with developing specs and concept boards

Product Development Strategy

• Ability to provide insights that aligns with team objectives.  

• Understand effective processes and procedures to align workflow and results.

• Proactively support calendar to recognize milestones and key dates.

• Recognize key fashion trends and understand what competition is doing

• Maintain and organize development samples both physically and digitally

• Tracks department samples and ensures all samples are approved in a timely manner

Team Collaboration

• Utilize Product Lifecyle 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

• Support department business needs and is encouraged 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 of current and past experience

• Minimum 1 year retail product design experience

• Degree in Design or equivalent experience

Personal Leadership

• Must have an aspirational taste-level with the willingness to learn and 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

• Organized, efficient and detail-oriented – excellent calendar adherence

• Strong time management and communication skills

• Strong cross functional skills and partnership with merchandisers and product development team

Technical Proficiency

• Technically versed to create detailed specs, product reviews and feedback to vendors.

• Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator (a plus for Studio), Photoshop, Computer-aided design, and work management system, (3D modeling skills is a plus)

Competencies

• 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

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).