Head Design Manager, Textiles

About the Team

The Pottery Barn Kids and Teen design team consists of highly creative, collaborative, and technical thinkers. As part of the team, you'll bring your ideas to the discussion. Our role is to create both practical and innovative products with childhood in mind.

About the Role 

As the Head Design Manager for Product Development, you will lead the development of all Textile products. You will oversee the full product development process from initial sample creation through final approval for 4 seasons per year.  This role leads a team of Product Development Coordinators and Technical Designers, guiding them through the complete lifecycle of each product. The role serves as the primary point of communication with overseas teams and vendor partners, managing all product-related correspondence and tracking sample status through every round of development. Additionally, the responsibilities include maintaining organized physical sample archives and ensuring timely movement of samples through each stage of review.

Responsibilities 

• Lead end-to-end product development for all Textile categories across four seasonal calendars, from initial concept and sample creation through final approval.
• Manage and mentor a team of Product Development Coordinators and Technical Designers, providing clear direction, workflow planning, and performance guidance.
• Oversee sample lifecycle management, ensuring all prototypes, fit samples, pre-production samples, and TOPs are reviewed, commented on, and progressed on schedule.
• Serve as the primary liaison with overseas teams, mills, factories, and vendor partners, maintaining consistent communication and ensuring accurate execution of design intent.
• Review and approve tech packs, specs, and construction details, partnering closely with Design to resolve issues quickly.
• Track development milestones, monitor timelines, and proactively address risks to ensure all styles meet deadlines for line reviews, costing, and production.
• Maintain organized physical and digital sample archives, ensuring easy retrieval and systematic storage of all development rounds.
• Ensure adherence to brand standards, size consistency, and quality requirements across all textile product categories.
• Support cross-functional meetings, including weekly development touch-bases, design sample reviews, and vendor check-ins.
• Drive process improvements in product development workflow, communication, and sample management to increase efficiency and reduce lead times.

Criteria

• Minimum 7 years product design experience, preferably soft goods for home and/or fashion.
• Experience developing products for a retail brand within the housewares industry.
• Ability to navigate four quarters across two growth product categories. 
• Knowledge of Textiles construction and materials (fabrics, printing, weaving, and silhouettes)
• Knowledge of Textile construction and materials for a breadth of product types (bath textiles, throw pillows, bedding, baby accessories, pajamas, costumes, etc).
• Experience designing housewares products within a quarterly launch cadence. 
• Proven record of managing a team within a retail brand. 
• Ability to maintain brand standards for technical specs across multiple product categories. 
• Project management experience to present designs and samples on time. 
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud software for print, pattern, and presentations (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). 
• Collaborative and passionate about design, process, and team building. 
• Ability to work with a broad range of internal and external personalities.
• Strong leadership skills with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback. 
• Demonstrates flexibility and positivity to build a positive team culture. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems with creative solutions. 
• Highly motivated, collaborative, and detail oriented. 
• Willingness to dive in and get things done; respectfully and resourcefully.

• This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office  

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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 $110,000 - $125,000. 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.