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:

• BA/BS preferred
• 3-5 years relevant  photo production experience 
• 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   

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.  

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.