Vendor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience
• Minimum 7 years retail product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience (Masters Degree in design a plus)
• Experience designing (category specific product); keeping materials and pricing in mind
• Experience in identifying and presenting trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.
• Domestic and oversees experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic
• High level mass manufacturing experience in retail environment
• Knowledge of constructions and technical design is a plus
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand
• Must have an aspirational taste-level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trends.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and adapt to change
• Extremely organized, efficient and detail-oriented – excellent calendar adherence and ownership
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Excellent cross functional skills and partnership with merchandisers and product development team
• Must be technically versed in (category specific product), creating detailed specs, product reviews and feedback to vendors
• Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Computer-aided design, work management system, and 3D modeling skills
• Understand brand aesthetic, a creative and inspirational thinker
• Not only are you design minded, but also business minded
• High aptitude and agility to organize communications
• Proactive when making strategic decisions; owning the process
• Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines
• Confidence in leading others and team through each season and process

Nice To Haves

• Masters Degree in design a plus
• Knowledge of constructions and technical design is a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage and create weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions
• Attend business meetings; ability react to the business results and lead changes that arise from these weekly meetings
• Assemble, lead, and present seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management
• Generate specs and concept boards while owning and managing concept all the way through product approval in distribution center
• Manage direct reports of various levels: technical designers, designers, and coordinators
• Clarify objectives, assess performance, and provide regular feedback to those assisting you
• Ability to interview candidates and make hiring recommendations that aligns with team objectives
• Determine priorities and workload; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results
• Engage with senior management on in-season problem solving, escalating concerns, and collaborate to ensure each season is prioritized
• Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise
• Drives calendar to ensure all deadlines and key dates are met
• Has strong business acumen to support each season; understand brand and financial goals, execute business and seasonal strategy
• Gathers market data and recognize key fashion trends and analyze what competition is doing to bring new business opportunities or trends to the team
• Utilize Product Lifecycle Management shared with cross-functional teams to review status of development process
• Has strong cross-functional partnership with Williams Sonoma Global Operations country partners, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color team
• Has ability to clearly communicate the needs with Williams Sonoma Global Operations vendor partners and sourcing in order for vendors to execute design vision
• Has clear understanding of department business needs and guides Product Development team to design accordingly

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