Visual Communication Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Team

The Visual Merchandising team drives in-store execution of Williams Sonoma brand standards and merchandising strategies across all stores. The team develops clear visual direction that translates product priorities into compelling store presentations, supporting seasonal storytelling, category updates, and key business initiatives.

About the Role

The Visual Production Assistant Manager is responsible for developing and producing comprehensive visual merchandising guides that drive consistent execution across all Williams Sonoma stores. Reporting to the Senior Visual Manager, this role transforms merchandising strategies, floorplans, and product assortments into detailed, easy-to-follow visual guides. 

Working closely with Merchandising, Planning, Store Operations, and Field teams, this position creates seasonal floorset books, perimeter updates, visual standards, and communication materials that enable stores to execute brand standards accurately and efficiently. Success in this role requires exceptional organizational skills, strong visual communication, and the ability to manage multiple production schedules in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Mock Store Development & Visual Guide Creation

• Assist in building mock store presentations to test product placement, fixture layouts, and visual storytelling prior to developing seasonal visual guides. 
• Evaluate product presentation, adjacencies, fixture placement, and merchandising flow to validate visual concepts before field rollout. 

• Document approved mock store presentations through photography, annotations, and layout documentation to support the development of final visual guides.

Visual Guide Production 

• Produce seasonal visual merchandising guides, floorset books, perimeter updates, and execution materials by translating approved mock store presentations into clear, comprehensive guides using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Design and maintain standardized page layouts, templates, grids, and production tools to improve consistency and production efficiency. 
• Manage revisions, proofing, version control, and final production files to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery. 

• Incorporate photography, product imagery, diagrams, callouts, and visual annotations that clearly communicate merchandising intent. 

• Maintain exceptional attention to detail across all page layouts, typography, graphics, and visual guide production.

Perimeter Standards & Merchandising Updates

• Produce visual documentation for perimeter updates, including fixture layouts, product placement, and category changes. 
• Translate assortment updates into clear visual instructions that support consistent execution across the fleet. 
• Update existing visual guides to reflect ongoing merchandising changes and seasonal priorities. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising, Planning, Store Operations, Copy, and Field teams to gather content, review layouts, and ensure accuracy. 
• Coordinate approvals, incorporate feedback, and manage production timelines to meet key business deadlines. 
• Support field teams by creating clear, user-friendly visual communication that minimizes execution questions. 

Production Management

• Maintain production calendars and coordinate multiple concurrent visual guide deliverables to meet seasonal floorset, promotional, and business deadlines. 
• Organize production assets, photography, templates, and supporting files for efficient future use. 
• Continuously improve production workflows, templates, and documentation to increase speed, consistency, and accuracy.  

Digital Content Management & SharePoint Administration

• Own the Visual Merchandising SharePoint site as the central hub for visual merchandising communications, resources, and execution tools. 
• Manage site content, organization, and ongoing enhancements to improve accessibility, user engagement, and field execution. 
• Publish and maintain seasonal floorset books, perimeter updates, visual standards, project documentation, and training materials. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure timely and accurate communication of visual merchandising initiatives. 
• Evaluate site usage and implement continuous improvements that enhance navigation, content quality, and the user experience.

We're Excited About You Because...

• 2-4 years of experience producing visual merchandising guides, retail communication materials, or visual presentation documents. 
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign and Photoshop), Microsoft Office, and Mac OS.
• Experience creating complex multi-page publications, presentation guides, or retail execution books. 
• Strong understanding of visual merchandising principles and store presentation standards. 
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. 
• Experience collaborating across Merchandising, Store Operations, Creative, and Field teams. 

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 $60,000-$76,000. 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.