Designer, Functional Accessories

Designer, Functional Accessories - Pottery Barn

Location: San Francisco, CA

Annual Salary: $122,100 - $134,400

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Design, Art/Creative, Information Technology

Industry: Retail

As part of Williams‑Sonoma, Inc., our Product Development and Design team brings customer‑centered, trend‑forward products to life through seasonal collaboration, innovation, and cross‑brand alignment. You will be responsible for driving and managing sample development from concept through to production.

You will support new product lines and product development processes for each season for specific departments that reflect mood, market trends and business needs. Working with senior management you will ensure all deadlines and key calendar dates are met, and you will collaborate with merchants, sourcing and color teams.

• 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
  • Build strong cross‑functional partnership with Williams Sonoma Global Operations country partners, merchants, sourcing, engineering, and color team
  • Communicate needs clearly with vendor partners and sourcing to execute design vision
  • Support department business needs and bring new ideas for specs and concept board
  • Identify existing product issues that may arise and solve them

• Minimum 3 years retail product design experience
• Degree in Design or equivalent experience
• Experience designing functional accessories such as Entryway, Ledges & Shelves, Modular Systems, Jewelry Storage, Fireplace Collections, Baskets, Planters, etc.
• Ability to identify and contribute trends and inspiration based on concept direction
• Aspirational taste-level with passion for interiors, home furnishings, color, aesthetic, and industry trends
• Mass manufacturing experience in retail environment
• Domestic and overseas factory collaboration experience with price adjustment for brand aesthetics
• Knowledge of constructions and technical design

• Work independently and with a team in a fast‑paced environment
• Prioritize, multi‑task, and adapt to change
• Organized, efficient, detail‑oriented with excellent calendar adherence
• Strong time‑management and communication skills
• Visible leadership at team and division level, initiating continuous improvement opportunities

• Preparation of detailed specs, product reviews, and feedback to vendors
• Full proficiency in Mac OS and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), computer‑aided design, work management systems, and 3D modeling skills

• Deep understanding of brand aesthetic, creative inspiration
• Design‑minded and business‑minded balance
• High aptitude for organizing communications and strategic decision making
• Proactive engagement throughout the seasonal process
• Sense of urgency for deadlines and confidence in cross‑functional collaboration and teamwork

• 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
• Wellness program that supports your physical, financial, and emotional health