Assistant Designer, Furniture Finish (Temp to Hire) - Pottery Barn at Williams Sonoma Inc.

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, Merchants, Sourcing team members and QA.

About the Role 

As a Design Assistant in the finish department, you will support new product lines and product development processes for each season within specific furnishing departments that reflect mood, market trends and the needs of the business. 

You will work closely with Senior Management and Designers to ensure new developments are communicated to our global offices and 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.

With your strong organizational skills and attention to detail, you’ll help keep projects on track, contribute to seasonal timelines, and ensure all finish materials are accurately documented and delivered on time.

Responsibilities 

Seasonal Engagement

• Proactively maintain and organize the finish library/ finish display spaces by keeping swatches stored in a manner that fosters a safe environment to conduct business.

• Assist shipping, managing and tracking all incoming and outgoing shipments of swatches/samples between our Global offices and factories that are part of the Finish Product Development Cycle.

• Assisting Designers to ensure finish samples are on track to arrive for milestone meetings and deadlines.

• Assist the design and color studio team, and senior management finish library/panel needs.

• Assist with seasonal product presentations between the Finish department, and Designers / Senior Management.

• Update internal systems in place of the finish department ensuring all finish materials are accurately kept and documented.

• Help coordinate finish development projects from the initial concept to final approval, ensuring each finish meets brand quality standards and seasonal deadlines.
• Assisting with communication between designers, cross-functional partners, and overseas offices.
• Assist with the upkeep of projects; color matching review records, documentation of developments, QA and product life cycle key milestones.
• Support the Design team to ensure that all seasonal finishes meet established timelines and brand standards for quality and consistency.
• Attend team meetings and cross-functional checkpoints to provide status updates and help drive projects forward.

Team Collaboration

Product Development Strategy 

• Communicate clearly and professionally with your team, global office team members and / or vendors.

• Collaborate in an environment where timelines, feedback, and teamwork matter

• Curious and eager to learn especially about wood finishes, color, texture, and materials.

• Care deeply about the small details others might overlook.

Criteria

Competencies

• Ability to work independently as well as with a team in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to prioritize, and adapt to change and multitask.

• Understand calendar and deliverables, sense of urgency for deadlines

• High aptitude and agility to direction and guidance provided

• Proactive when given a task; engage in the process

• Strong cross-functional collaboration and teamwork through each season

• Problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise.

Design Experience

 

• 1 to 2 years of experience in a design-related field (internships, assistant roles welcome)

• (A plus) Experience in identifying and contributing trends and inspiration based on the given concept direction.  

• Familiarity with furniture, furniture furnishing, fabrication, understanding of color and materials is a plus.

• Strong organizational and communication skills, especially in managing physical samples and timelines.

• Proficiency with Excel, word, power point.

• Bonus: Experience with Photoshop, or PLM platforms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time 

• Ability to type on a keyboard and operate a PC 

• Ability to converse over a telephone as well as virtual meetings 

• 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 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. 

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.

Company