Accessories Designer

Spirit Leatherworks; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Leatherworks is seeking an Accessories Designer to drive the concept-to-product development of belts, wallets, bags, and small leather goods. You will work with licensed, private-label, and proprietary brands to create market-ready collections that align with brand direction and margins.

The role requires strong leather technique knowledge, 5–10 years of current experience, and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fashion/product design.
• 5–10 years of direct, current experience in belts/leather goods.
• Strong hardware design knowledge and material tech.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
• Excellent communication and ability to present concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative development of accessory collections from concept through final product.
• Ensure on-time delivery aligning with seasonal brand direction and margins.
• Design within cost parameters to meet margin goals.
• Drive projects including sourcing and development of category concepts.
• Apply knowledge of leather and synthetic materials.
• Create detailed technical drawings and specs for factory partners using Illustrator.
• Communicate daily with overseas factories during development and production.
• Work within line plans, calendars, and design approval processes.
• Collaborate with Sales and Merchandising on line-building and market-ready presentations.
• Mentor and train the development team in technical skills and category knowledge.

Skills

Leather goods design

Adobe Illustrator

Hardware design

Materials knowledge

Project management

Presentation skills

Office suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

Fashion Design

Industrial Design

Product Development

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

About the Company

Founded in 1981 by Will Adler, our family-owned company has spent more than four decades designing, developing, and bringing distinctive accessories to market.

Through Spirit Leatherworks, we have built a longstanding licensed accessories business with Nike, spanning more than 20 years of designing, manufacturing, and distributing products across Nike Golf, SB, NSW/Streetwear, Jordan Golf, and Nike buckles.

Our product categories include belts, wallets, bags, and small leather goods.

Our business spans licensed, private-label, and proprietary brands, combining product design and development expertise with longstanding manufacturing and retail relationships.

The Accessories Designer is responsible for the creation and development of accessory collections across licensed, private-label, and proprietary brands through trend research, analysis, and a strong understanding of the retail market.

• Lead the creative development of accessory collections from concept through final product.
• Ensure on-time delivery of fully realized collections that meet seasonal brand direction, company initiatives, and market needs.
• Design and innovate within cost parameters to meet margin goals.
• Drive projects forward, including sourcing and development of innovative category concepts.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of construction and materials, including leather and synthetics.
• Create detailed technical drawings and specifications for factory partners using Adobe Illustrator.
• Communicate daily with overseas factories throughout development and production.
• Work within seasonal line plans, time-and-action calendars, and established design approval processes.
• Collaborate with Sales and Merchandising on line building and market-ready presentations.
• Mentor and train the development team in technical skills and category knowledge as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Product Development, or equivalent education and experience.
• 5-10 years of direct and CURRENT experience in belts and leather goods design or product development.
• Strong understanding of hardware and the ability to design custom hardware.
• Technical knowledge of raw materials, leather techniques, construction, and manufacturing.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Creative and innovative, with the ability to develop original product ideas and concepts.
• Ability to conceive, build, and execute the Brand vision from initial concept to retail floor presentation.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office.
• The ideal candidate is based in the Chicago or Eugene, Oregon, area.