Assistant Designer - Mark & Graham

About the Team

In Product Development and Design, we drive and manage sample development from concept through to production, working hand-in-hand with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing team members.

Role Overview

As a Design Assistant, you will support new product lines and product development processes for each season for specific departments that reflect mood, market trends and business needs. You will work closely with Senior Management and Designers to ensure new developments are communicated to vendors overseas. You will support senior design team with day-to-day tasks in design/ development process and assure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met.

Responsibilities

Sample Management

• Ability to transport materials or equipment or lifting, moving, carrying objects up to 20 pounds on a limited basis
• Unpack and assemble prototype samples for design review
• Coordinate deliveries to and from archive warehouse
• Manage Sample Archive orders using our online system
• Track development samples through our development tracker document and email communications with vendors and WSGO Global teams
• Continually organize samples in the office, packing and sending out older items right away to keep showrooms and storage rooms clear
• Send out UPS packages and send out tracking to overseas teams
• Communicate with multiple overseas vendors daily.
• Organize and manage tracking, shipments, developments, finish standards, and reporting.
• Tracks department samples and ensures all samples are approved in a timely manner.

Seasonal Engagement

• Assist Designers to organize and prepare for the weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions
• Assist and support seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management
• Assist Designers with developing specs and concept boards

Product Development Strategy

• Ability toprovide insights that aligns with team objectives.
• Understand effective processes and procedures to align workflow and results
• Proactively support calendar to recognize milestones and key dates.
• Recognize key fashion trends and understand what competition is doing
• Maintain and organize development samples both physically and digitally
• Tracks department samples and ensures all samples are approved in a timely manner.

Team Collaboration

• Utilize Product Lifecyle 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
• Support department business needs and is encouraged to bring new ideas for specs and concept board
• Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise

Criteria

Design Experience

• Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience
• Minimum1 yearretail product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience.
• (A plus) Experience in identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.
• (A plus) Knowledge of constructions and technical design
• Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand

Personal Leadership

• Must have anaspirationaltaste-level with the willingness to learn and 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
• Organized, efficient and detail-oriented - excellent calendar adherence
• Strong time management and communication skills
• Strong cross functional skills and partnership with merchandisers and product development team

Technical Proficiency

• Technically versed to create detailed specs, product reviews and feedback to vendors.
• Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator (a plus for Studio), Photoshop, Computer-aided design, and work management system, (3D modeling skills is a plus)

Competencies

• High aptitude and agility to organize communications
• Proactive when given strategic decisions; engage in the process
• Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and teamwork through each season

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to type on a keyboard and operate a PC
• Ability to converse over a telephone
• Ability to transport materials or equipment or lifting, moving, carrying objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis
• Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment
• This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office 4 to 5 days per week

#LI-LG1

Our Culture & Values

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. Our associates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, so they can be their best and achieve their personal and professional goals. We make inclusivity a cornerstone of our culture by welcoming associates with diverse cultures and backgrounds and celebrating them, together. We nurture an open, inclusive environment for all. Our differences-whatever they may be-are valued, explored, and appreciated. Together, we're creating a more just and inclusive company culture where the only criteria for advancement are:

• The quality of our work
• The contributions we make to our teams and the business
• Our ability to lead and connect

We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Outside of WSI, we recognize the importance of playing a part in our communities through partnerships, collaborations, and commitments to a more just and inclusive world.

People First

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

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

Continued Learning

• 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

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.

The expected starting pay range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.