Overview Job Title: Director of Design, Concept & Collaborations, Product Development and Design
Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.
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.
ResponsibilitiesSeasonal 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 & RequirementsDesign 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.
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