Merchandise Design Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Team

You will be a part of a collaborative team responsible for driving and managing sample development from concept through to production, working together with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing team members. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., 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.

Role Overview

As a Head Design Manager, Decorative Accessories, 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 ensure 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.

This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Friday.

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 tointerview 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

• Minimum7 yearsretail product design experience

• Degree in Design or equivalent experience (Masters Degree in design a plus)

• Experiencedesigning decorative accessories; 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 anaspirationaltaste-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 

• Extremely organized, efficient and detail-oriented - excellent calendar adherence and ownership

• Excellent time management and communication skills

• Excellent cross functional skills and partnership with merchandisers and product development team

Technical Proficiency

• Must be technically versed in (category specific product), creating detailed specs, product reviews and feedback to vendors 

• Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Computer-aided design, work management system, and 3D modeling skills 

Competencies

• Understand brand aesthetic, a creative and inspirational thinker

• Not only are you design minded, but also business minded

• High aptitude and agility to organize communications

• Proactive when making strategic decisions; owning the process

• Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines 

• Confidence in leading others and team through each season and process

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$112,000 - $130,000. 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. 

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Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.