Associate Designer, Decorative Accessories - Pottery Barn Kids

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Create new designs for dec acc team including gifting, keepsakes and toys
• Produce renderings in Photoshop and/or Illustrator for visual presentations and refine design concepts
• Translate design briefs into market-ready product concepts
• Prepare presentation boards, physical samples, and display materials for Concept Presentations
• Collaborate closely with product development, production, and sourcing teams to ensure design intent is maintained through to final product
• Work closely with overseas merchants and vendors to develop product with key deadlines top of mind and ensuring all samples are delivered for key presentations
• Design and develop specs and concept boards while managing concept all the way through product approval
• Proactively support calendar to recognize milestones and key dates
• Conduct trend and material research to stay ahead in the market and suggest innovative design directions
• Identify opportunities for innovation in techniques and products
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator a must
• 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
• 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
• Maintain and organize development samples both physically and digitally

Criteria

• Design Experience: Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience. Minimum 2 years product design experience. Degree in Design or equivalent experience. Experience designing hardline and softline product; keeping materials and pricing in mind. Experience in identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction. (A Plus) Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic (A Plus) Mass manufacturing experience in retail environment (A Plus) Knowledge of constructions and technical design
• Technical Proficiency: Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Computer-aided design, and product lifecycle management system are required.

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:

• 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

About Us

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.