Senior Leather Goods Designer — Handbag Innovation Lead

Marc Jacobs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

Marc Jacobs International seeks a Senior designer, Leather Goods to join the Design team at its New York City (SoHo) headquarters. Lead the design and development of handbags from concept to production, driving silhouettes, hardware ideas, and product animations aligned with brand direction.

You will develop trend boards, conduct market analysis, and translate seasonal direction into commercially strong products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 7–10 years of handbag or leather goods design experience within a luxury or contemporary fashion brand.
• Proven experience leading seasonal handbag collections from concept through production.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior designers, including up to two direct reports.
• Strong understanding of handbag construction, materials, hardware, leather, and manufacturing processes.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across four seasonal calendars.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly creative, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong presentation, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Excel.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in an environment where product is continually evolving through seasonal development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of handbags and small leather goods from initial concept through production.
• Create innovative silhouettes, seasonal concepts, hardware ideas, and product animations aligned with brand direction.
• Develop compelling inspiration boards, trend research, vintage references, and competitive market analysis.
• Translate seasonal direction into commercially relevant products with a strong understanding of color, materials, construction, and functionality.
• Produce detailed sketches, CADs, technical drawings, and comprehensive tech packs using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Review prototypes and development samples, providing detailed comments and design revisions throughout the product development process.
• Collaborate with Product Development and factory partners to resolve construction, engineering, and cost challenges while preserving design intent.

Skills

Handbag design

Team leadership

Creative direction

Strong presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Marc Jacobs International seeks a Senior designer, Leather Goods to join the Design team at its New York City (SoHo) headquarters. Lead the design and development of handbags from concept to production, driving silhouettes, hardware ideas, and product animations aligned with brand direction.

You will develop trend boards, conduct market analysis, and translate seasonal direction into commercially strong products.