Director, Design - Williams Sonoma Home

About the Role 

The Design Director will lead all design and development processes across the home division. This is a remarkable opportunity to define the look and feel of the WS Home brand and drive innovation in WSH approach to product development. The Design Director will also manage product design for all categories.  Reporting into the Vice 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 regarding print, pattern and color for WSH  

• Create quarterly seasonal concepts  

• Oversee creation of original artwork and manipulation of purchased print work to fit seasonal direction.  

• Maintain an understanding of the print/vintage studios available and books appropriate studios based on business needs.  

• 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 these categories 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 

• 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 heal