Assistant Designer, Collaborations - Pottery Barn

San Francisco, CA, United States

Job Description

About the Team

In Product Development and Design, we drive and manage sample development from concept through to production, working hand-in-hand with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing team members.

About the Role

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.

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.
• (A plus) Experience in identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.
• (A plus) Knowledge of constructions and technical design
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand

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 given strategic decisions; engage in the process
• Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and teamwork through each season

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to type on a keyboard and operate a PC
• Ability to converse over a telephone
• Ability to transport materials or equipment or lifting, moving, carrying objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis
• Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment
• This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office 4 to 5 days per week
• 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 $60,000 - $65,000. 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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