Sr. Designer, Handbags

Steve Madden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401K

Paid holidays

Generous paid time-off

Job summary

Steve Madden in New York is seeking a Sr. Handbag Designer to join our fast-moving junior accessories team.

This on-site role focuses on trend-driven design, concept-to-production development, and close collaboration with overseas factories and internal teams. The ideal candidate has 5-8 years of handbag design experience, strong CAD and Adobe Creative Suite skills, and a deep understanding of materials, specs, and prints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred.
• 5-8 years of handbag design experience (junior market a plus).
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.).
• Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly.
• Understanding of technical specs, construction, and materials.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of print development and placement.
• Proactive, positive attitude, and a fast learner who thrives in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Trend & Market Analysis: Conduct seasonal trend and color research; stay updated on competitor activity, street style, and runway influences relevant to the junior market.
• Design Development: Create compelling and on-trend handbag designs from initial concept through to final production.
• Technical Documentation: Create detailed sketches, CADs, and comprehensive tech packs/spec sheets for development.
• Overseas Communication: Maintain daily communication with overseas factories to manage development samples, clarify technical specifications, and troubleshoot production issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the production team for timely execution and the sourcing team to select appropriate materials, trims, and hardware.
• Surface Design: Design and develop prints and surface embellishments.
• Project Management: Manage multiple collections and projects simultaneously under tight, fast-paced deadlines.
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Digital sketching

Technical knowledge of construction &/

Print design

Organization & multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)

Job description

General Summary

We are a dynamic, trend-driven fashion company targeting the junior market with a focus on speed, creativity, and innovation. We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Sr. Handbag Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of emerging trends, prints, and the fast fashion cycle. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Trend & Market Analysis: Conduct seasonal trend and color research; stay updated on competitor activity, street style, and runway influences relevant to the junior market
• Design Development: Create compelling and on-trend handbag designs from initial concept through to final production
• Technical Documentation: Create detailed sketches, CADs, and comprehensive tech packs/spec sheets for development
• Overseas Communication: Maintain daily communication with overseas factories to manage development samples, clarify technical specifications, and troubleshoot production issues
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the production team for timely execution and the sourcing team to select appropriate materials, trims, and hardware
• Surface Design: Design and develop prints and surface embellishments
• Project Management: Manage multiple collections and projects simultaneously under tight, fast-paced deadlines
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Specific Job Skills

• Design Software: Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Sketching: Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction, material properties, and technical specifications
• Print Design: Expertise in print development and placement
• Organization: High proficiency in multi-tasking and managing complex, fast-paced workflows

Essential duties include

• Design Software: Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Sketching: Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction, material properties, and technical specifications
• Print Design: Expertise in print development and placement
• Organization: High proficiency in multi-tasking and managing complex, fast-paced workflows

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5-8 years of handbag design experience (junior market a plus)
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
• Understanding of technical specs, construction, and materials
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of print development and placement
• Proactive, positive attitude, and a fast learner who thrives in a collaborative team

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$115,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure.

• health and dental insurance
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• 401K
• paid holidays
• a generous paid time-off policy
• career opportunities within a dynamic team