Head Design Manager - Pottery Barn

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.

 

Role Overview

As a Head Design Manager, you will manage and deliver new product lines and product development processes for each season for specific departments that reflect mood, market trends and business needs. You will set up and manage product development meetings and be the main communicator for agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to assure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met. You will need the desire and ability to manage and develop associates. Not only are you part of the design process, but you will also support a Director and/or VP to manage and guide the rest of the team.

 

Responsibilities  

Seasonal Engagement

• Manage and create weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions
• Attend business meetings; ability react to the business results and lead changes that arise from these weekly meetings
• Assemble, lead, and present seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management 
• Generate specs and concept boards while owning and managing concept all the way through product approval in distribution center 

People Management

• Manage direct reports of various levels: technical designers, designers, and coordinators
• Clarify objectives, assess performance, and provide regular feedback to those assisting you   
• Ability to interview candidates and make hiring recommendations that aligns with team objectives 

Product Development Strategy

• Determine priorities and workload; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results
• Engage with senior management on in-season problem solving, escalating concerns, and collaborate to ensure each season is prioritized
• Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise
• Drives calendar to ensure all deadlines and key dates are met   
• Has strong business acumen to support each season; understand brand and financial goals, execute business and seasonal strategy
• Gathers market data and recognize key fashion trends and analyze what competition is doing to bring new business opportunities or trends to the team 

Team Collaboration

• 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
• Has ability to clearly communicate the needs with Williams Sonoma Global Operations vendor partners and sourcing in order for vendors to execute design vision
• Has clear understanding of department business needs and guides Product Development team to design accordingly   

 

Criteria  

Design Experience

• Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience
• Minimum 7 years retail product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience (Masters Degree in design a plus)
• Experience designing (category specific product); keeping materials and pricing in mind 
• Experience in identifying and presenting trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.  
• Domestic and oversees experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic
• High level mass manufacturing experience in retail environment
• Knowledge of constructions and technical design is a plus 
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand

Personal Leadership

• Must have an aspirational taste-level with 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 
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