Overview

Job Title: Director of Design, Concept & Collaborations, Product Development and Design

About The Team

You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for driving and managing our Design Collaborations, Licensing, and Concept creation from pre-concept/trend forecasting through to product approval, working with Design, Merchants, and PR team members, as well as external Collaboration & Licensing partners. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., our Product Development and Design team brings customer-centered, trend-forward products to life through seasonal collaboration, innovation, and cross-brand alignment.

Role Overview

Collaborations: Oversee all Licensing & Collaboration relationships and design process, and gain alignment on design approvals from concept to launch for each season, reflecting mood, market trends and business needs. Lead design review meetings and ensure deadlines and key calendar dates are met. Exhibit strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, and develop a team across levels while maintaining cross-functional partnerships.

Concept: Lead the Concept setup process from mood creation to Final Concept presentations with the SVP of Product Development, including trend forecasting meetings with partners, creating seasonal styleguides, leading Concept floorplan meetings, and final propping of concept spaces with Visual Team and Design Leaders.

Note: This role requires being onsite in the office Monday through Thursday, with a remote option on Friday.

Responsibilities

Seasonal Engagement

• Own and lead Collaboration Alignment with senior leaders and Design reviews with Partners
• Attend business meetings, react to business results, and lead changes arising from weekly meetings
• Manage and present seasonal product presentations to cross-functional partners and senior management, including photoshoots and showrooms
• Guide the team with color palettes and concept decks, owning concept through product approval
• Measure productivity by analyzing reports and data to monitor progress of product development and success of launched products

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of various levels from coordinators to managers
• Provide direction, set objectives, assess performance, and provide regular feedback
• Lead recruitment and develop succession plans to align with organizational needs

Product Development Strategy

• Determine priorities and workload; suggest effective processes to improve workflow and results
• Engage with SVP on in-season problem solving; escalate concerns and optimize season prioritization
• Identify and solve product issues that may arise
• Maintain calendar and deadlines; develop and implement strategies aligned with brand and financial goals
• Gather market data and trends to identify opportunities
• Travel domestically and internationally to identify themes and inspirations

Team Collaboration

• Oversee visual line lists with cross-functional teams to review development status
• Maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with external partners, visual team, PR, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color team
• Guide Product Development team to design aligned with business needs

Qualifications & Requirements

Design Experience

• Portfolio or website of current and past work required
• Minimum 8–10 years of retail product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience (Master’s preferred)
• Experience designing with materials and pricing in mind
• Experience identifying and presenting trends and inspiration based on concept direction
• Knowledge of constructions and technical design
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the brands

Personal Leadership

• Aspirational taste level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trends
• Ability to manage people in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to change
• Extremely organized, detail-oriented, and calendar-focused
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Strong cross-functional partnership with merchandisers and product development teams

Technical Proficiency

• Technical knowledge of home products
• Proficient in Mac OS; strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Canva, Photoshop, PowerPoint

Competencies

• Understand brand aesthetics; balance creativity with business needs
• Strategic and proactive decision-making; strong ownership of processes
• Calendar management and sense of urgency for deadlines
• Ability to lead others and guide teams through seasonal processes

Our Culture & Values

We believe taking care of people is vital to success. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing, and strive for an inclusive environment where diverse cultures and backgrounds are welcomed and valued. Our differences are celebrated as we work toward a more just and inclusive company culture. We value quality of work, contributions to teams and the business, and the ability to lead and connect.

We are committed to DEI and community partnerships beyond the workplace.

Benefits

• A generous discount on all WSI brands
• 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
• Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including domestic partner benefits
• Tax-free commuter benefits
• Wellness program supporting physical, financial, and emotional health

Continued Learning

• In-person and online learning through WSI University
• Cross-brand and cross-function opportunities
• Self-development resources; mentor program; career development workshops

WSI will not sponsor immigration for this position. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local laws.

The expected starting pay range is $175,000-$185,000. Actual pay will be determined by experience and other factors. Benefits may include additional components.

About Us

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality home products. Brands include Williams-Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, and more. We are multi-brand, multi-channel, with a focus on design, innovation, and customer experience.