Designer

IHL Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IHL Group is seeking a Designer to lead the handbags category, driving concept-to-shelf design decisions and serving as the main design contact for cross-functional and vendor partners. The role requires ownership of the design process and strong collaboration with sales and leadership.

The position is based in New York, NY, with in-office work Monday to Friday. The anticipated base salary range is $85,000–$100,000, reflecting experience and market norms for a handbag design role.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of design experience with full category ownership.
• Expert knowledge of garment construction, fit and costing.
• Strong business acumen, including familiarity with margin and pricing structures.
• Demonstrated leadership in guiding junior designers.
• Excellent presentation skills, comfortable engaging with senior leadership and retail partners.
• Proven success launching commercially strong seasonal collections.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the seasonal design vision for an assigned product category.
• Lead trend, market, and competitive research to inform product strategy.
• Direct the full development process, including CADs, tech packs, and approvals.
• Represent the category in seasonal line reviews and go-to-market presentations.
• Manage relationships with overseas and domestic factories to ensure quality and timeline adherence.
• Guide and review the work of Associate and Assistant Designers on the team.
• Partner with Sales to incorporate account-specific and private-label requirements.

Skills

Design experience

Product construction

Costing

Leadership

Presentation

Seasonal launches

Job description

IHL is looking for a Designer to join our handbags team! The Designer is fully accountable for the creative and commercial success of an assigned category, driving concept-to-shelf design decisions and serving as the primary design point of contact for cross-functional and vendor partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and execute the seasonal design vision for an assigned product category
• Lead trend, market, and competitive research to inform product strategy
• Direct the full development process, including CADs, tech packs, and approvals
• Represent the category in seasonal line reviews and go-to-market presentations
• Manage relationships with overseas and domestic factories to ensure quality and timeline adherence
• Guide and review the work of Associate and Assistant Designers on the team
• Partner with Sales to incorporate account-specific and private-label requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• 4-6 years of design experience with full category ownership
• Expert knowledge of garment/product construction, fit, and costing
• Strong business acumen, including familiarity with margin and pricing structures
• Demonstrated leadership in guiding junior designers
• Excellent presentation skills, comfortable engaging with senior leadership and retail partners
• Proven success launching commercially strong seasonal collections

Job Logistics

Location: New York, NY - Midtown West

Schedule: We are operating in-office Monday-Friday.

Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000

IHL is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.