Technical Designer, Furniture Soft Goods, Fabric, And Leather - Pottery Barn

Technical Designer: Furniture Soft Goods, Fabric, and Leather

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.

As a Technical Designer: Furniture Soft Goods, Fabric, and Leather, 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 ensure 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. This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday.

Responsibilities

Seasonal Engagement

• Schedule and create agendas 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 cushion specifications for seasonal Indoor and Outdoor Furniture Developments
• Provide feedback, corrections, and approvals on cushion fit, finish, and comfort for seasonal indoor and outdoor furniture developments
• Assist in researching new fabric and leather trends, technologies, and developments in the market.
• Support the development of new fabric and leather concepts and innovations.

Product Development Strategy

• Ability to 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 what competition is doing to bring new business opportunities or trends to the team
• Create and maintain technical documentation for all cushion patterns
• Coordinate and manage fabric and leather samples from suppliers.
• Organize and maintain sample library for easy access by design and merchant teams
• Document test results and provide feedback to fabric and leather developers.

Team Collaboration

• Utilize Product Lifecycle 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 for vendors to execute design vision
• Support department business needs and ability to bring new ideas for specs and concept board
• Have problem solving skills to identify existing product issues that may arise
• Provide administrative support such as organizing meetings, preparing presentations, and maintaining records related to fabric and leather development.

Criteria

Design Experience

• Degree in Design or equivalent experience.
• Must provide a portfolio or website of current and past experience
• Minimum 3 years soft goods design and fabric & leather development experience
• In depth knowledge of furniture cushion construction and technical design.
• Knowledge of fabric and leather properties, weaving/knitting techniques, dyeing, and finishing processes
• Experience designing soft goods / upholstery; keeping materials and pricing in mind.
• Experience in soft goods pattern making and upholstery fill and fabrication
• Experience in 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 retail environment
• (A plus) 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 soft goods / upholstery technical design, creating detailed specs, product reviews and feedback to vendors.
• Full proficiency in Mac operating systems with skill excellence in Adobe Creator Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Computer-aided design, work management system

Competencies

• Understand brand aesthetic, a creative and inspirational thinker
• Not only are you 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 urgency for deadlines
• Confidence in cross-functional collaboration and teamwork through each season and process

This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office.

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:

• 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