Job Description
About the Team
You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for driving and managing sample development from concept through production, working with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is 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.
About the Role
As a Technical Designer: Furniture Soft Goods, Fabric, and Leather , you will support new product lines and development processes for each season for specific departments that reflect mood, market trends, and business needs. You will assist product development meetings and communicate with agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to meet deadlines and key calendar dates. You will support the Director and Head Design Manager to manage and collaborate with the rest of the team. This role requires being onsite in our San Francisco office Monday through Thursday, with a remote option on Friday.
Responsibilities
- Seasonal Engagement: Schedule and create agendas for weekly Product Development meetings and work sessions.
- Seasonal Engagement: Access business results and support changes arising from weekly business meetings.
- Seasonal Engagement: Assist and support seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management.
- Seasonal Engagement: Design and develop cushion specifications for seasonal Indoor and Outdoor Furniture developments.
- Seasonal Engagement: Provide feedback, corrections, and approvals on cushion fit, finish, and comfort for seasonal furniture developments.
- Seasonal Engagement: Research new fabric and leather trends, technologies, and developments in the market.
- Seasonal Engagement: Support the development of new fabric and leather concepts and innovations.
- Product Development Strategy: Provide insights and training aligned with team objectives.
- Product Development Strategy: Contribute processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
- Product Development Strategy: Proactively support the calendar to recognize milestones and key dates.
- Product Development Strategy: Develop business acumen to support each season; understand brand and financial goals, and seasonal strategy.
- Product Development Strategy: Recognize trends and analyze competition to bring new opportunities to the team.
- Product Development Strategy: Create and maintain technical documentation for all cushion patterns.
- Product Development Strategy: Coordinate and manage fabric and leather samples from suppliers.
- Product Development Strategy: Organize and maintain the sample library for easy access by design and merchant teams.
- Product Development Strategy: Document test results and provide feedback to fabric and leather developers.
- Team Collaboration: Utilize Product Lifecycle Management with cross-functional teams to review development status.
- Team Collaboration: Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Global Operations, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color teams.
- Team Collaboration: Communicate needs with Global Operations vendor partners and sourcing to execute design vision.
- Team Collaboration: Support department business needs and bring new ideas for specs and concept boards.
- Team Collaboration: Demonstrate problem-solving to identify existing product issues.
- Team Collaboration: Provide administrative support such as organizing meetings, preparing presentations, and maintaining records for fabric and leather development.
Criteria
Design Experience
- Degree in Design or equivalent experience; portfolio or website required.
- Minimum 3 years of soft goods design and fabric & leather development experience.
- In-depth knowledge of furniture cushion construction and technical design.
- Knowledge of fabric and leather properties, weaving/knitting, dyeing, and finishing processes.
- Experience designing soft goods / upholstery with materials and pricing in mind.
- Experience in soft goods pattern making and upholstery fill and fabrication.
- Experience identifying trends and contributing inspiration based on concept direction.
- A aspirational taste-level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trends.
- Mass manufacturing experience in a retail environment.
- (Plus) Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories and understanding price adjustments to reflect brand aesthetic.
- Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand.
Personal Leadership
- Ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to change.
- Extremely organized, efficient, and detail-oriented with excellent calendar adherence.
- Excellent time management and communication skills.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration with merchandisers and product development teams.
- Demonstrate visible leadership at team and division level and drive continuous improvement opportunities.
Technical Proficiency
- Technically versed in soft goods / upholstery design, creating detailed specs, and providing feedback to vendors.
- Full proficiency in Mac OS with Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD, and work management systems.
Competencies
- Understand brand aesthetic and be a creative and inspirational thinker.
- Be both design-minded and business-minded.
- High aptitude to organize communications; proactive in strategic decisions.
- Understand calendars and deliverables with a sense of urgency for deadlines.
- Confident in cross-functional collaboration and teamwork across seasons and processes.
This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office.
Our Culture & Values
We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and strive to offer equitable and transparent practices. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing.
People First means investing in overall well-being and growth opportunities. Depending on position and location, benefits may include:
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 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. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories as required by local laws and ordinances.
The expected starting pay range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other factors. Compensation may include benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.
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Job Tags
Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Overseas, Relocation package, Monday to Thursday,