Design Director: Handbags & Accessories

Fourth Floor; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fourth Floor in New York is seeking a Design Director to lead the handbag and accessories design strategy. You will set the creative vision, steer the design process from concept to final product, and develop silhouettes, materials, color, and key franchises.

You will balance creativity with commercial performance, research trends, and collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing to ensure brand consistency across the category.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years handbag/accessories design experience, with leadership.
• Strong knowledge of handbag construction, materials, leather, hardware, and manufacturing.
• Proven track record developing successful handbag collections and product franchises.
• Exceptional creative vision with strong commercial and strategic understanding.
• Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and team leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in design or related field.

Responsibilities

• Set the creative vision and seasonal design direction for handbags.
• Lead the design process from concept and sketch through prototype and final product.
• Develop silhouettes, materials, color, hardware, details, and key handbag franchises.
• Balance creativity, brand elevation, functionality, quality, and commercial performance.
• Research market, consumer, and trend insights to identify new opportunities.
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing.
• Review and approve designs, materials, prototypes, and final samples.
• Ensure consistent design standards and brand identity across the category.

Skills

Handbag design leadership

Team leadership

Trend research

Brand identity

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in design or related field

Job description

Fourth Floor in New York is seeking a Design Director to lead the handbag and accessories design strategy. You will set the creative vision, steer the design process from concept to final product, and develop silhouettes, materials, color, and key franchises.

You will balance creativity with commercial performance, research trends, and collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing to ensure brand consistency across the category.