Merchandise Coordinator, Creative Services - Pottery Barn

About the Team

You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for creating elevated imagery to showcase our new and signature products. As part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a leader in home lifestyle and retail, The Sample Coordinator is part of a Photo Team that drives customer engagement and profitability through compelling visual storytelling.

About the Role 

In this role, you will be responsible for organizing, transporting, and staging merchandise, props, surfaces, grip, crafty, and other supplies necessary to efficiently execute each shoot. You will be relied on by the Producer for any updates regarding product issues, supply shortages, equipment and truck maintenance, etc. We are seeking someone who is a self-starter, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and proactively to constantly support all facets of our photo teams while maintaining a can-do attitude.

Duties + Responsibilities: 

• Work with Producers daily to review what’s needed to execute photoshoots including — ordering and organizing merchandise and props, prepping surfaces, equipment, and crafty items. 
• Understand the sample ordering/returning process to help organize and track merchandise before and after photoshoots. 
• Unpack and carefully re-pack photo samples safely for transit between photo teams, WS buildings, locations, and the warehouse. 
• Unpack, check in, and test (if applicable) product before each shoot. 
  Save/organize paperwork/empty boxes, alert Producers of any issues with product, and note quantity received on sample tracker. 
• Ensure all merchandise and props are returned with proper labeling and wrapping, alerting any issues immediately to the shoot’s Producer.
• Maintain, organize and update/document: prop cage, surfaces, sample inventory kept in studios, and studio crafty. 
• Needs to be in Richmond location by 8:00am start time daily.
• Help construct and maintain various set and surface rigs on-set. 
• Assemble furniture pieces for photoshoot.
• Remain attentive and proactive to anticipate the needs of the photo crew on set.
• Drive 15’ and 20’ truck, and sprinter van (both require no special license). 
• Vehicle upkeep: keep clean, keep insurance binders on hand, park in designated area at studio and notify Producers when they need maintenance.
• Travel occasionally with photo teams for photoshoot on location.
• Unload and reload trucks with merchandise.
• Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor with the photo team, merchants, vendors, and homeowners.
  
   

Required Competencies: 

• Ownership attitude – you’re happy to jump up to help anyone, finding samples quickly and rapidly change out sets, thinking on the spot for quick yet effective solutions in high pressure time constraints.
• Great time management skills – you’re able to work quickly while maintaining safety, prioritizing tasks, pivoting when necessary and staying calm under pressure.
• Extremely organized and thorough – you’re able to stage samples thoughtfully, troubleshooting samples for anything missing, broken, or defective and alerting Producers immediately.
• Anticipate needs – you’re always two steps ahead, listening so you can foresee and resolve issues early.
• Maintain an “all hands-on deck” mentality to jump in to help where needed. 
• Sense of urgency when the task calls for it. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 2-4 years of related experience working as production assistant on photoshoot sets
• A high school diploma required
• Experience and ability to drive large trucks
• Must have a valid driver’s license & satisfactory driving record
• Willing to complete a driver training program and participate in DMV’s employer pull notice program
• Must be able to lift and move merchandise up to 75 pounds
• Understanding of proper lifting techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment
  
   

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds
  This is a very physically demanding role, and you will be expected to lift heavy items daily 
• Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to type on computer 
• Ability to talk and text on a cell phone 
• Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment

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 $26-$28/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.