Associate Designer, Hradware

Williams-Sonoma•Portland, OR

About The Position

As the Associate Designer for Hardware, you will bring forward designs for cabinet hardware, door sets, hooks, house parts, outdoor hardware, and more. In this role, you will be a key member on the design team, executing designs from concept to launch. The Associate Designer for Hardware will help inspire, innovate, and translate seasonal concepts and market trends into design solutions that meet business needs.

Requirements

Minimum of 2-3 years product design experience with a focus in Hard Goods for home retailers.
Proven track record of designing home products on a quarterly launch timeline.
Highly detail-oriented, excellent time management skills, and highly collaborative.
Ability to inspire cross functional partners by presenting thoughtful concepts inspired by market trends, fashion, and interior designers.
Business acumen paired with knowledge of high-end hardware competitors.
Knowledgeable in all aspects of manufacturing for metal products, including forging, casting, CNC milling, and more.
Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
Proven proficiency in 3D programs, including Rhino and Keyshot.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to present ideas and design strategies.
Strong presentation and communication skills to communicate design intent for quarterly design presentations and brand milestones.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work, both, collaboratively and independently.
Experience employing design strategies to achieve business goals.
High standards to quality, integrity and design.

Responsibilities

Participate in historical design research and market research to create concepts and design strategies for hardware.
Utilize 3D CAD software, such as Rhino, to create 3D models for presentation renderings and technical specs.
Create concept renderings in Keyshot for key milestone meetings.
Create technical specifications for vendors to follow for quoting and development.
Assist design staff in creating comments sheets for hardware developments
Work directly with global offices/vendors and domestic partners to develop designs that fit target price point and manufacturing capabilities.
Attend bi-weekly calls with overseas partners to nurture and maintain vendor relationships.
Follow SOPs to maintain finishes and quality expectations for hardware products from concept to approval for production.
Organize, maintain, and install development samples for hardware product reviews.
Update and maintain PLM (product lifestyle management) in preparation for weekly product development meetings.
Work closely with cross-functional teams through the development cycle, inclusive of sourcing and merchandising.
Participate in weekly product development meetings to communicate status of developments, clearly and efficiently.
Gather market research and identify design trends that can be translated into timeless designs.
Present product and concept ideas to design, merchandising and sourcing teams.
Mail and track packages for development samples.
Design hardware products that offer distinct product assortments, catering to an array of new and existing design aesthetics for the brand.
Partner with merchants to identify white space for new products and finishes that bring forward new points of view that build off existing core products.
Participate in building a creative culture that inspires others through curated design inspiration, historical design research, and knowledge of materials and techniques
Build accountability within the design team to ensure deliverables are delivered efficiently and on time.
Ensure sustainable goals and are being met by making intentional design choices that align with the brand’s sustainable initiatives.

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
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