Designer, Textiles - Pottery Barn

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.

As a Designer, 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 assist product development meetings and participate as one of the communicators for agents, merchants, sourcing, and color teams. You will work with Senior Management to assure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met.

Not only are you part of the design process, but you will also support the Director and Head Design Manager to manage and collaborate with the rest of the team.

• Seasonal Engagement:
  • Schedule and create agenda for the weekly Product Development meetings and Work Sessions.
  • Access business results and support changes that arise from weekly business meetings.
  • Assist and support seasonal product presentations to the team and senior management.
  • Design and develop specs and concept boards while managing concept all the way through product approval.
• Product Development Strategy:
  • Provide insights and training that aligns with team objectives.
  • Contribute effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
  • Proactively support calendar to recognize milestones and key dates.
  • Develop strong business acumen to support each season; understand brand and financial goals, support business and seasonal strategy.
  • Recognize key fashion trends and analyze competition to bring new business opportunities or trends to the team.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  
  • Utilize Product Lifecycle Management shared with cross‑functional teams to review status of development process.
  • Maintain strong cross‑functional partnership with Williams Sonoma Global Operations country partners, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color team.
  • Clearly communicate the needs with Williams Sonoma Global Operations vendor partners and sourcing so that vendors execute design vision.
  • Support department business needs and bring new ideas for specs and concept board.
  • Apply problem‑solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise.

• Design
  
  Experience:
  
  
  • Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience.
  • Minimum 3 years retail product design experience.
  • Degree in Design or equivalent experience.
  • Experience designing category specific product; keeping materials and pricing in mind.
  • Knowledge of constructions and technical design preferred.
  • Experience identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.
  • Must have an aspirational taste‑level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, designer aesthetic, and industry trends.
  • Mass manufacturing experience in a retail environment.
  • Domestic and overseas experience collaborating with factories, understanding price adjustment to reflect brand aesthetic.
  • Understanding and enthusiasm for the brand.
• Personal Leadership:
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate visible leadership at the team and division level, and initiate opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • 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 Creative Suite, Illustrator (plus for Studio), Photoshop, CAD, work management system, and 3D modeling skills.
• Competencies:
  • Understand brand aesthetic, a creative and inspirational thinker.
  • Not only design‑minded, but also business‑minded.
  • High aptitude and agility to organize communications.
  • Proactive when making strategic decisions; engage in the process.
  • Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of…