Assistant Project Manager, Food Development - Williams Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, California, San Francisco
3250 Van Ness Avenue (Show on map)
Sep 09, 2025
About the Role: The Assistant Project Manager, Food Development is responsible for project managing the development of new or expanded assortments or categories for the Food department. These responsibilities will include product/concept ideation and development of sales-generating food product, meeting key project milestones, driving the coordination of activities between external WS resources and its internal departments to meet project performance and delivery requirements. Additionally, the position will build supplier/vendor as well as cross-functional relationships to improve the development process and assist with anticipating/identifying/solving issues that result in late delivery of products. Responsibilities: Product Development Identify and recommend new food products, concepts and business opportunities Manage the timing and delivery of projects to launch deadlines. Liaise with external manufacturers/vendors and internal WS departments in carrying a project from concept to execution: Determine best vendors suited to work on projects based on their capabilities Coordinate tastings with Test Kitchen, lead tastings, collect team feedback, and provide objective feedback to vendors Partner with Inventory Management to provide buy plans for products to vendors Negotiate costing - Identify issues influencing cost challenges impacting project budgets and present solutions to vendors and merchant teams Collaborate with Brand Packaging team to finalize product vessel and design within budget Review packaging artwork proofs for assigned projects for accuracy Culinary Expertise Create enticing flavor profiles, flavor pairings and new product ideas that will entice the WS customer Suggest recipe adjustments as needed to vendor samples Assist with troubleshooting recipes/samples not performing to optimal results Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor base Identify new vendor partners and onboard them Vendor Management/Sourcing Support/maintain WS relationship with current supply/vendor base Identify new vendor partners and onboard them Trend Analysis/Competitive Research In development, research market for like product and manage comparison tasting Identify/analyze trends in food market space and provide observations of market to Buyer analyses on as needed basis. Competitive shop and keep abreast of current trends, seeking out potential opportunities for WS food assortment. Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats on as needed basis Sample Management for Meetings Create mocked up product for concept presentations Manage Product Issues As needed, contact vendors to gather information on product issues. Partner with Food Safety Compliance Manager and Merchant partners to determine best course of action. Requirements: 2+ years culinary experience either in food development, food science, test kitchen, or food merchandising. Previous business experience is a plus. In-depth knowledge of wide scope of culinary techniques Strong palate with ability to identify flavor, texture, appearance nuances Bachelor's Degree Demonstrates forward thinking, sense of urgency, follow-through, and problem solving skills. Ability to prioritize shifting urgent responsibilities. Displays sense of urgency and is a self starter Exceptional organizational and project management skills: the candidate will be managing concurrent multiple projects at different stages of their lifecycle Detail-oriented Strong negotiation and analytical skills Excellent written and verbal communication. Displays confidence and assertiveness. People relationship skills: ability to motivate suppliers/vendors and their teams, provide direction to the WS food team, form strong partnerships and collaboration with cross-functional teams Ability to prioritize between multiple urgent requests while accomplishing each task thoroughly Demonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standards Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This role requires being onsite in the San Francisco office Monday through Thursday 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 $30 - 32.69/hr. 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.