Overview
Job Title : Director of Design, Concept & Collaborations, Product Development and Design
About The Team
You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for driving and managing our Design Collaborations, Licensing, and Concept creation from pre-concept / trend forecasting through to product approval, working with Design, Merchants, and PR team members, as well as external Collaboration & Licensing partners. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., our Product Development and Design team brings customer-centered, trend-forward products to life through seasonal collaboration, innovation, and cross-brand alignment.
Role Overview
Collaborations : Oversee all Licensing & Collaboration relationships and design process, and gain alignment on design approvals from concept to launch for each season, reflecting mood, market trends and business needs. Lead design review meetings and ensure deadlines and key calendar dates are met. Exhibit strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, and develop a team across levels while maintaining cross-functional partnerships.
Concept : Lead the Concept setup process from mood creation to Final Concept presentations with the SVP of Product Development, including trend forecasting meetings with partners, creating seasonal styleguides, leading Concept floorplan meetings, and final propping of concept spaces with Visual Team and Design Leaders.
Note : This role requires being onsite in the office Monday through Thursday, with a remote option on Friday.
Responsibilities
Seasonal Engagement
- Own and lead Collaboration Alignment with senior leaders and Design reviews with Partners
- Attend business meetings, react to business results, and lead changes arising from weekly meetings
- Manage and present seasonal product presentations to cross-functional partners and senior management, including photoshoots and showrooms
- Guide the team with color palettes and concept decks, owning concept through product approval
- Measure productivity by analyzing reports and data to monitor progress of product development and success of launched products
People Management
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of various levels from coordinators to managersProvide direction, set objectives, assess performance, and provide regular feedbackLead recruitment and develop succession plans to align with organizational needsProduct Development Strategy
Determine priorities and workload; suggest effective processes to improve workflow and resultsEngage with SVP on in-season problem solving; escalate concerns and optimize season prioritizationIdentify and solve product issues that may ariseMaintain calendar and deadlines; develop and implement strategies aligned with brand and financial goalsGather market data and trends to identify opportunitiesTravel domestically and internationally to identify themes and inspirationsTeam Collaboration
Oversee visual line lists with cross-functional teams to review development statusMaintain strong cross-functional partnerships with external partners, visual team, PR, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color teamGuide Product Development team to design aligned with business needsQualifications & Requirements
Design Experience
Portfolio or website of current and past work requiredMinimum 8–10 years of retail product design experienceDegree in Design or equivalent experience (Master’s preferred)Experience designing with materials and pricing in mindExperience identifying and presenting trends and inspiration based on concept directionKnowledge of constructions and technical designUnderstanding and enthusiasm for the brandsPersonal Leadership
Aspirational taste level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trendsAbility to manage people in a fast-paced environmentAbility to prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to changeExtremely organized, detail-oriented, and calendar-focusedExcellent time management and communication skillsStrong cross-functional partnership with merchandisers and product development teamsTechnical Proficiency
Technical knowledge of home productsProficient in Mac OS; strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Canva, Photoshop, PowerPointCompetencies
Understand brand aesthetics; balance creativity with business needsStrategic and proactive decision-making; strong ownership of processesCalendar management and sense of urgency for deadlinesAbility to lead others and guide teams through seasonal processesOur Culture & Values
We believe taking care of people is vital to success. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing, and strive for an inclusive environment where diverse cultures and backgrounds are welcomed and valued. Our differences are celebrated as we work toward a more just and inclusive company culture. We value quality of work, contributions to teams and the business, and the ability to lead and connect.
We are committed to DEI and community partnerships beyond the workplace.
Benefits
A generous discount on all WSI brands401(k) plan and other investment opportunitiesPaid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteerHealth, dental, and vision insurance, including domestic partner benefitsTax-free commuter benefitsWellness program supporting physical, financial, and emotional healthContinued Learning
In-person and online learning through WSI UniversityCross-brand and cross-function opportunitiesSelf-development resources; mentor program; career development workshopsWSI will not sponsor immigration for this position. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local laws.
The expected starting pay range is $175,000-$185,000. Actual pay will be determined by experience and other factors. Benefits may include additional components.
About Us
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality home products. Brands include Williams-Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, and more. We are multi-brand, multi-channel, with a focus on design, innovation, and customer experience.
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