Manager, CGI Art Director - Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen

About the role:The Manager, CGI/AI Art Director role drives the look, feel, and execution of photorealistic product imagery across CGI, AI, and in-studio digital photography. This role translates business needs into compelling visual content that enhances customer engagement and drives revenue.You will lead high-volume Photo-AI-driven image production while contributing to CGI and digital photography initiatives. Success requires a highly organized, process and detail-oriented creative leader who thrives in structured workflows, maintains accuracy at speed, and operates within defined brand production standards.Working cross-functionally, you will translate creative direction into consistent, on-brand photorealistic imagery across ecommerce and digital channels. This includes prompt development, image refinement, scene direction, asset management, quality assurance, and workflow optimization. A strong foundation in interiors, architecture, photography, lighting, composition, decorating, and emerging AI-driven creative tools is essential.Responsibilities:Photo Art Direction & Visual Execution:Provide art direction, interior design, and styling of room scenes for photorealistic photo, CGI/rendering, and AI image outputs (architecture; interior/exterior environments; materials; composition; lighting; propping; window scenes; crops; post-production; color temperature; retouching direction; etc.)Translate art direction into structured AI prompts to produce consistent, on-brand imagery for high-volume single- and multi-SKU needsGenerate, review, refine, version, and QA AI, CGI, and photographic imagery with extreme attention to detailEnsure assets are presented and shared in final and intended cropsMaintain full ownership and responsibility for assets produced on-set and digitally, contributing to end-to-end planning, execution, and post-productionCoordinate prop and product pairings with Art Direction and Styling teams; edit, make shot direction calls, approve selects, oversee lighting and retouching notesProvide feedback and direction during collaborative reviews, proofing, and QA processesEnsure strict adherence to brand standards, style guides, and visual guidelinesDevelop and maintain Photo / CGI / AI visual standards for lighting, composition, and room environments by product categoryAI & Production Workflow Support:Support high-volume AI image production within structured workflowsMaintain highly organized file structures, naming conventions, tracking documents, and asset librariesBuild and contribute to Photo / CGI / AI libraries (models, materials, scenes, props) and optimize asset reuse strategiesIdentify inconsistencies or production challenges and proactively recommend solutionsRefine Photo / CGI / AI pipeline workflows, tools, and processesSupport documentation and continuous improvement of processes as efficiencies and learnings are identifiedManage time effectively to meet high-volume production deadlinesDemonstrate strong attention to detail in final outputsCross-Functional Collaboration:Collaborate with Creative Operations, Art Direction, Site & Photo Merchant partners, Post-Production, Product Design, and Digital Design teamsCommunicate clearly cross-functionally to ensure assets are compelling, on-brand, on-deadline, and efficiently project-managedProject manage delivery schedules and milestones for creative development, modeling/rendering, image outputs, and production timelinesCollaborate with product designers, photography, post-production, and merchant teams for asset approvalsAttend corporate creative meetings to maintain alignment with business goals and creative directionRecruit, direct, and/or mentor third-party CGI/AI vendors and artists as neededProactively identify talent or resource gaps that may affect quality or deliveryResearch & Creative Development:Research and compile inspiration/references for Photo, CGI, Render, and AI creative planningResearch photography, styling, interiors, art/design trends, talent, vendors, and best-in-class partnersStay current on emerging AI tools, creative technologies, and competitive landscapeBring cost-effective creative ideas and solutions while supporting asset development and brand growthContribute to the development and maintenance of style guides, creative tools, and visual strategyDemonstrate strong storytelling and narrative capability in visual executionCriteria:Bachelor’s degree in Art / Design2–5+ years working in 3D photorealistic imaging; experience managing CG creative and/or production teams is a plusProfessional experience in photography, CGI design, rendering, or AI-generated imagery with a portfolio emphasizing interior design, home furnishings, and/or architectureStrong understanding of photo art direction, CGI/rendering, and AI image creationExperience in photorealistic rendering and digital image creation using CG software (AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, etc.) and rendering tools (Vray, Octane, Corona, FStormRender) is a plus or AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, etc.) Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Airtable, and file management systems. Figma knowledge is a plusExperience in model and material preparation for rendering and all pre- and post-rendering tasksOn-set photography and studio experience a plus (production planning, prop sourcing, lighting, post-production workflows)Experience working with high-volume asset development and managementDemonstrated success developing and refining processes within an organizationExcellent people and project management skillsStrong organizational skills, time management, and ability to multitask and prioritizeAbility to balance creative excellence with business goals and ecommerce objectivesStrong understanding of what inspires customer purchase decisions and required visual information for ecommerceMacro-to-micro thinking: able to understand big-picture digital strategy while executing daily creative tasksStrong understanding of architecture, interiors, decorating, materials, lighting, and compositionHigh taste level, discerning eye, and advanced artistic sensibilities in interior design composition, lighting, texture, and colorAbility to work with urgency in a fast-paced, reactive environmentProcess-oriented, solution-driven mindset with strong attention to detailAgile and adaptable in an evolving content creation landscapeThis role requires being onsite in the Richmond Photo Studio Key Attributes:Highly organized, detail-driven, and process-orientedAgile and adaptable while maintaining accuracyCollaborative, communicative, and team-focusedEntrepreneurial spirit with innovation and creativityProfessionalism, maturity, emotional intelligence, and empathyStrong sense of ownership and accountabilityPassion for design, interiors, art, and storytellingExcitement about AI and emerging creative technologiesDrive for personal growth and inspiring othersCommitment to helping customers express their style and tell their story at homeOur Culture & ValuesWe 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 FirstPutting 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:BenefitsA generous discount on all WSI brandsA 401(k) plan and other investment opportunitiesPaid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteerHealth benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefitsTax-free commuter benefitsA wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional healthContinued LearningIn-person and online learning opportunities through WSI UniversityCross-brand and cross-function career opportunitiesResources for self-developmentAdvisor (Mentor) programCareer development workshops, learning programs, and speaker seriesWSI 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 $120,000- $130,000. 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 Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. 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.Posting Date: 2026-08-24