Job description

About the Role The Design Director will lead all design and development processes across the division. Reporting into the 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 for the category • Create quarterly seasonal concepts • 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 the category 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 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 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 (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration). This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances. The expected starting pay range for this position is $160,000 - $175,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities. The Design Director will lead all design and development processes across the division. Reporting into the President, this role oversees a team of designers to produce new products that reflect brand strategy, market trends, and meet customer needs.

Requirements

Must-haves

Articulate a clear and passionate point of view for the category
Create quarterly seasonal concepts
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 the category 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.
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
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

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: oracle-cloud
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off

Wellness