Job DescriptionWest Elm - Who we are Born in Brooklyn. At home in the world. west elm has been helping customers express their personal style at home since the launch of our first catalog in 2002. 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. About the Team The product development team drives execution of the PD process to successfully deliver West Elm products on time, which meet the design, quality, and value mission. The product development associate owns the product through the development lifecycle up to order placement. The associate leads communication with vendors + overseas offices, drives timeline adherence and cross-functional alignment. About the Role The Associate PD Manager is team oriented and passionate about product. This person is detail oriented, thorough and committed to seeing a project through on time. They multi-task efficiently and effectively while being flexible to accommodate the changing needs of the business. This person has an understanding of retail math, product performance requirements, materials and production processes. The Associate PD manager builds strong cross functional relationships by approaching all interactions with a service mindset. This is an independent and self-motivated person that acts as an owner and excels in a fast paced, dynamic work environment. Responsibilities
- PD Process Ownership- Owns delivering products within parameters set by design, engineering, and merchandising. Drives cross functional alignment on development goals. Leads seasonal PD kickoff meetings. Owns weekly PD meetings for assigned categories. Updates development tracker. Communicates accurate details relating to sampling, costing and product details to all cross functional partners and vendors/ agents. Tracks and approves all tooling fees
- Timeline Management -Drives adherence to all timing goals: spec out, sample due dates, product approval, final cost pass off, validation and PO placement. Leads the communication on sample requests, follow up and troubleshooting timelines. Builds chase T&As as needed
- Costing- Identifies opportunities for cost engineering and implements in development. Negotiates newness costing based on merchandising parameters
- Vendor Development - develops deep understanding of vendor capabilities and leverages knowledge to lead the team to develop best possible product within vendor limitations
- Material Research and Development - Maintains materials library and supports senior manager in material and technique pre-development
- Sample + Product Management- Responsible for the day to day organization of workrooms, and archives where applicable, with support from assistant. Partners with design to coordinate and set up samples for milestone meetings
- Leadership-Provides Guidance and Mentorship to PD Associates and Assistants. Instills best practices across team. Establishes strong cross functional relationships
Criteria
- Minimum 2-4 years of product development/sourcing
- Ability to work independently as well as with a team in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and adapt to change
- Excellent time management and communication skills
- Microsoft suite is a must
- Flex PLM is a plus
- Ability to perform work onsite in the Brooklyn corporate office
#LI-LG1#LI-HybridWe believe in People FirstWe firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Our DEI initiatives prompt associate participation and engagement, aligning with our core vision to reflect the communities where we do business and put people first.Benefits Just for YouDepending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:
- A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. 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
Your Journey in 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 and learning programs
- Speaker series
The expected starting pay range for this position is $70,000 -$80,000. 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.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.About Us Our Company Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn teen, pottery barn kids, Rejuvenation, Mark & Graham, west elm, or Outward. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.