About the Role
The Design Director will lead all design and development processes across the division. Reporting into the President, this role oversees a team of designers to produce new products that reflect brand strategy, market trends, and meet customer needs.
Responsibilities
Articulate a clear and passionate point of view for the category
Create quarterly seasonal concepts
Regularly shop competitors to keep abreast of trends. Travel Europe/Asia to identify emerging themes and new inspirations
Oversee design and development of assigned categories from concept to completion.
Ensure that design team successfully translates seasonal direction into viable product.
Present and sell seasonal design direction to merchandising team and executives, identify key business driving ideas and items.
Identify big business ideas to be developed and ensure Designers have clear understanding of the product line.
Ensure that all final design details and pre-production samples are approved by Designers (with Product Development). Resolve escalated issues.
Drive innovation in the category with regards to color, pattern, and construction.
Achieve operational excellence in product development:
Partner with merchants to ensure needs/briefs are clear, meaningful, and support seasonal big ideas.
Manage product development to the brand calendar and achieve key milestone dates.
Utilize multiple internal and external data sources to inform the early stages of our design brief and product development process.
Criteria
Proven track record of a strong ability to conceptualize design across multiple product categories
Minimum 7-10 years product design experience.
Minimum 4-year college degree or equivalent experience.
5 years of management experience
Must have ability to provide feedback, participate in the annual and ongoing performance management process, etc.
Strong Aesthetic Vision, People Development & Management skills, Presentation Skills, and Business Acumen in the Home Industry
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 $160,000 - $175,000. 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.
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.
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. Our family of brands includes Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. 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.
