Assistant Designer, Furniture Storage - West Elm

About the Team

You will be a part of a collaborative team responsible for driving and managing sample development from concept through to production, working together with Design, Technical Design, Merchants, and Sourcing team members. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a leader in home lifestyle and retail, our Product Development and Design team brings customer-centered, trend-forward products to life through seasonal collaboration, innovation, and cross-brand alignment.

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.

This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities  

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 to provide 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 ariseOur 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. 
   
  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 $27.85-31.33/hr. 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.