Associate Designer, Tabletop - West Elm

Job Description

Requisition Number: WE-16696
Area of Interest: Product Development - Design
Organization: Corporate
Brand/Division: West Elm
Position Type: Full-time
JOB DESCRIPTION
Associate Designer, Tabletop -- west elm
Who we are:
Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming people's lives and spaces through creativity, style, and purpose. We create unique, modern and affordable home decor and curate a global selection of local, ethically-sourced and Fair-Trade Certified products, available online and in our 100+ stores worldwide.
Our home base is nestled down under the Manhattan Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, right above our flagship store. We are a dynamic, fast-paced brand with an exciting growth strategy. We value imagination, diversity and giving people the opportunity to explore, grow and shape our future. We look for innovative, smart and hard-working individuals who enjoy creative thinking and ingenuity. Help us carry out our mission of being a source of inspiration to our customers, creating a global community and tirelessly seeking ways to evolve our brand.
The Associate Designer will support the Design Manager in the design and creation of innovative, functional and stylish products for the Table Top categories, including but not limited to, flatware, serve-ware, dishes, Barware, glassware, and kitchen storage and tools. Support the buying group's design and development needs. Help support the Design Manager in identifying key trends, building seasonal concepts, presenting designs to senior management, and ensuring all product development deadlines and key calendar dates are met.
Essential Functions:
* Through clear understanding of design vision and business objectives, guide the design and development process from initial concept through approval. This means:
* Work with Design Manager to gather relevant inspiration reference based on design direction.
* Research market for new product ideas and competitive set analysis.
* Create design renders, orthographic specs and comment forms that are clear and concise for internal teams and overseas vendors.
* Prepare and present design work in cross functional presentations to senior management.
* Manage decision making daily for functional categories.
* Correspond with product development internal teams and overseas vendors to develop products
* Drive workflow to the calendar to ensure all deadlines and key dates are met.
* Recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
* Travel as needed to factories and buying shows domestically and internationally.
* Reports to the Design Manager of Tabletop.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
You...
* Are passionate about design, style, and decorating.
* Love to work collaboratively in a group, and have an innate willingness to dig in and contribute with your team.
* Are a true business owner; comfortable with decision making and calculated risk-taking for the benefit of your business.
* Are driven and motivated by the possibilities ahead.
* Think innovation is critical in a business environment and support others in creative thinking.
* Pride yourself on the quality of work and are a stickler for the details.
* Naturally challenge yourself and others to grow.
Qualifications:
* Minimum 3 years professional experience in related field required.
* Degree in design or equivalent experience.
* Experience with drafting and ability to quickly review and comment on drawings.
* Knowledge of 3D modeling, and rendering a plus.
* Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Outlook are essential.
Benefits:
We offer an extensive benefits package designed to help you grow, personally and professionally, to care for your family and to build a secure future. Depending on your position and your location, here's a look at what you might be eligible for:
* Competitive benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; tax-free spending accounts; same-sex domestic partner benefits; commuter benefits; and more
* A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
* Paid vacations, holidays and other time-off programs
* A generous discount on all Williams Sonoma Inc. brands through multiple shopping channels
* Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
* Discounts on nearby gyms and other local businesses
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.