Softline Associate Jobs in San Rafael, CA (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.
About the Role
As an Associate Designer, you will support new product lines and product development processes for each season in Toys and Gifting that reflect mood, market trends and business needs. You assist product development meetings and participate as one of the communicators for agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to ensure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met. Not only are you part of the design process, but you will also support the Director and Head Design Manager to manage and collaborate with rest of the team.
The ideal candidate has a strong design aesthetic, design experience, proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, passion for product designing and a hands-on attitude toward physical presentation and sample setup.
Responsibilities
Design and Product Development

• Create new designs for dec acc team including gifting, keepsakes and toys
• Produce renderings in Photoshop and/or Illustrator for visual presentations and refine design concepts.
• Translate design briefs into market-ready product concepts.
• Prepare presentation boards, physical samples, and display materials for Concept Presentations.
• Collaborate closely with product development, production, and sourcing teams to ensure design intent is maintained through to final product.
• Work closely with overseas merchants and vendors to develop product with key deadlines top of mind and ensuring all samples are deliver for key presentations.
• Design and develop specs and concept boards while managing concept all the way through product approval
• Proactively support calendar to recognize milestones and key dates
• Conduct trend and material research to stay ahead in the market and suggest innovative design directions.
• Assist with physically setting up for executive presentations
• Identify opportunities for innovation in techniques and products
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator a must.

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
• Support department business needs and ability to bring new ideas for specs and concept board
• Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise
• Maintain and organize development samples both physically and digitally

Criteria
Design Experience

• Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience
• Minimum 2 years product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing hardline and softline product; keeping materials and pricing in mind.
• Experience in identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.
• (A Plus) Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic
• (A Plus) Mass manufacturing experience in retail environment
• (A Plus) Knowledge of constructions and technical design
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand

Personal Leadership

• Must have an aspirational taste-level with the willingness to learn and 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

• Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Computer-aided design, and product lifecycle management system are required.
• This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office

Nice To Have

• Previous experience in Kids home or kids fashion design
• Prior experience preparing presentations for retailers or buyers.
• Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic
• Knowledge of baby product

#LI-LG1
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 $65,000-$70,000. 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.
About Us
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.