VP Product Development

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.•San Francisco, CA

55d•$225,000 - $260,000

About The Position

Oversee multiple departments to produce new products that reflect market trends and match customer needs. Direct teams and ensure that they interpret the mood into product. Explore new business ideas. Manage and develop 4-6 associates. You're excited about this opportunity because you will... Gather market data on key fashion trends considering such elements as fabrication, materials, color schemes and designs looking forward to next season. Regularly shop competitors to keep abreast of trends. Travel Europe/Asia to identify emerging themes and new inspirations. Drives global conceptual vision for the division. Present and sells seasonal concept to merchandising team and executives. Identify big business ideas to be developed and ensures design team has clear understanding of product line. Provide input to seasonal concepts for floor plans development and catalog design/pagination. Develop staffing and succession plans. Interview candidates and approve division s final candidates. Determine workload for staff; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results. Provide direction and clarify objectives. Evaluate and appraise performance. Mentor, educate and develop creative staff. Lead and facilitate divisional meetings on director level across functions and distribution channels. Lead key company strategic initiatives and steering committees. Present seasonal product information (inspirations and facts) to field.

Requirements

Minimum 10â¯years hardlines design experience.
Minimum 4 year college degree or equivalent experience preferred.
5+ years management experience.
Aesthetic Visionary
People Development & Management
Presentation Skills
Business Orientation

Responsibilities

Gather market data on key fashion trends considering such elements as fabrication, materials, color schemes and designs looking forward to next season.
Regularly shop competitors to keep abreast of trends. Travel Europe/Asia to identify emerging themes and new inspirations.
Drives global conceptual vision for the division.
Present and sells seasonal concept to merchandising team and executives.
Identify big business ideas to be developed and ensures design team has clear understanding of product line.
Provide input to seasonal concepts for floor plans development and catalog design/pagination.
Develop staffing and succession plans. Interview candidates and approve division s final candidates.
Determine workload for staff; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
Provide direction and clarify objectives. Evaluate and appraise performance.
Mentor, educate and develop creative staff.
Lead and facilitate divisional meetings on director level across functions and distribution channels.
Lead key company strategic initiatives and steering committees.
Present seasonal product information (inspirations and facts) to field.

Benefits

A generous discount on all Williams Sonoma Inc. brands through multiple shopping channels
A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
Paid vacations, holidays and other time-off programs
Health benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care tax-free spending accounts; medical, family and bereavement leave; same-sex domestic partner benefits; short- and long-term disability programs; life and travel insurance; an employee assistance program
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
Location specific sample sales
A business casual work environment
San Francisco based bike share program
Time off to volunteer
Matching donations to qualifying nonprofit organizations
Company-sponsored community involvement
Various discounts on local businesses