Photo Producer - Williams Sonoma

About the Creative Team

Our Creative Team at Williams Sonoma is made up of Producers, Photographers, Art Directors, Designers, Writers, Social Media experts, Content Creators and Visual Merchandisers who bring the Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home brands to life across all channels and engage with our customers at every touch point.

About the Role

The photo producer is responsible for overseeing & executing our year-round Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home photo shoots across our catalog, ecom, social, visual, and retail channels. The overall function of this position is to ensure seamless photo shoots both in studio and on location. Stellar communication & development of strong relationships with inhouse & freelance talent as well as with cross-functional partners is essential. The Photo Producer works with their Merchandise Coordinator team to identify any merchandise / sample issues, troubleshooting and resolving daily issues to ensure product samples are on set, ready to be photographed and team is set up for success.

This role operates in a high volume, fast paced environment, and will face challenges in sample availability and quality. This role involves coordinating shot lists with the Art Directors, often managing pre-production time simultaneously while on an active set. The Photo Producer will handle and finesse all the practical and interpersonal aspects of keeping a project running smoothly, allowing the Art Director and hired talent to concentrate on the creative aspects.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Order & procure all samples & props for photoshoot. Stay up to date on any last minute schedule or product changes. Solicit Art Director & Stylists for any additional prop requests well in advance of shoot. Ask for replacement options if their requested sample(s) is not available.

Planning, prioritization, and strong communication skills are essential for success. The ability to problem-solve quickly and communicate updates outward to Art Director and other team members in a timely manner is crucial. Possess capability to problem solve and make well informed decisions that are best for the team.

Drive the upkeep and organization of our photo studio & prop cage. Establish and maintain best practices and procedures for these areas. Partner with fellow fulltime & freelance team members to ensure compliance. Responsibilities include but not limited to :

Photo studio : weekly call sheet distribution, craft services, crew catering, oversight & placement of studio equipment & tools, photo equipment rental if needed, arrange studio deep clean between seasons, and maintain inventory of evergreen studio props.

Prop cage : Manage sets and surfaces so accessible, ensure set & surface 'Library' document is kept current, area arranged & maintained with eye on safety, and organize seasonal set & surface purge with AD's and fellow producers.

Oversee & manage Merchandise Coordinator team. Including training and best practices, scheduling, assigning tasks & deadlines, providing performance feedback, readjusting workload and priorities if / as needed, and ensure productivity is kept high.

For location photo shoots, partner with Art Director in scouting locations, request COI's, obtain permits, parking, and book hotels if needed. Establish a positive and collaborative relationship with location company & homeowner. Oversee the planning and details to ensure an efficient and successful shoot.

Partner with AD to keep shoot on pace.

Assist Photo Manager with booking talent, i.e. models, teachers, baristas when necessary.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES :

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies :

Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced, results-driven environment,

Proactive and confident communication skills

Proven ability to multitask under tight deadlines

Prioritize tasks, and stay calm and well organized under pressure

Exceptional time management, organizational, and detail-oriented skills

Ability to troubleshoot with a calm sense of urgency

Resourcefulness

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

3-5 years relevant photo production experience

BA / BS preferred

Knowledge of commercial photo studio workflow

Previous people management experience preferred

Comfortable in a culture of continuous change

Proficient with Microsoft Office suite

Ability to lift 25 lbs as needed

Valid drivers license required

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 $90,000 - $100,000. 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.