Designer, Women's Handbags & Accessories

TUMI; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TUMI is seeking a passionate product designer based in New York to create innovative designs for luxury handbags and accessories. The role demands creativity and strong organizational skills, with responsibilities ranging from concept development to final production.

Applicants should have at least 5 years of relevant design experience, proficiency in design software, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This hybrid role includes working on-site 4 days a week.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of design experience with handbags or similar products.
• Ability to present ideas to team leaders and partners.
• Comfortable adapting to feedback and finding solutions.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop trend-right products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market research and develop design concepts.
• Maintain product specifications and manage changes during development.

Skills

Creativity

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Illustrator

Proficiency in Photoshop

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage multiple projects

Job description

Job Description

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world‑class business, travel and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with approximately 2,000 points of sale.

This position will be responsible for designing and developing trend‑right, elevated product for the Tumi customer from concept to commercialization. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing all designs with designers, researching competitive market, developing seasonal design concepts under guidance of Design Director and Head of Women’s design, assisting in design presentation, creating technical drawings, as well as maintaining product specifications from start to production for new collections as well as existing collections. This is a hybrid role; we work on site 4 days and remotely 1 day weekly.

Design & Concept Development

• Research global and competitive markets, consumer insights, materials, silhouettes, and emerging trends to inform seasonal design direction.
• Develop and execute compelling design concepts aligned with brand strategy and customer needs.
• Create concept boards, inspiration decks, and mood boards to communicate seasonal narratives, color stories, materials, and key design ideas.
• Generate hand sketches, CAD drawings, and design iterations for handbags, small leather goods, and accessories.

Technical Design & Development

• Create and maintain detailed technical drawings, specifications, and design packages from concept through production.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of specifications, measurements, construction details, and materials throughout the development process.
• Manage and communicate all specification changes, updating technical drawings and documentation as needed.
• Review and approve confirmation and pre‑production samples in partnership with Product Development and Design, ensuring alignment with design intent, quality standards, and cost targets.

Presentation & Communication

• Create and maintain professional presentation materials in Power Point to support internal design reviews and cross‑functional meetings.
• Present design concepts, prototypes, and samples to Design leadership and cross‑functional partners, clearly articulating design intent, functionality, and seasonal vision.
• Partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production to support successful product execution.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and collaboratively across teams to ensure alignment and timely decision‑making.

Commercialization & Production Support

• Follow product through the commercialization process, supporting timelines and ensuring design integrity through final production.
• Track and manage changes throughout development, communicating updates to all relevant partners.
• Support ongoing updates and refinements to existing collections as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of design experience with handbags, small leather goods, and/or products.
• Demonstrates a high level of creativity and a keen understanding of market and cultural trends, with the ability to evolve them into elevated, future‑focused ideas and solutions.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are a must along with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable speaking and presenting to team leaders and global cross‑functional partners.
• Openness to feedback and ability to adapt and find solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ambitious self‑starter with demonstrated ability to successfully prioritize and multi‑task.
• Strong and expedient skill set in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Power Point/Microsoft Office to communicate concepts, create specs and presentations.
• Must be able to travel internationally.

The actual rate of pay offered depends on various factors, including qualifications for the position and relevant experience; as well as other legitimate, non‑discriminatory business factors specific to the position or location.

TUMI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting and maintaining a work environment in which all applicants, associates, customers, and other individuals are treated with dignity and respect free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.