Sr. Designer, Handbags

FashionUnited; Northern, New York (KY, NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401K

Paid holidays

Generous PTO

Career opportunities

Job summary

Steve Madden is seeking a Sr. Handbag Designer to lead trend-driven concepts from concept to production in our NYC on-site office. Join a dynamic fashion brand focused on speed, creativity, and innovation in the junior accessories space.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years of handbag design experience, strong CAD skills, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. You will collaborate with overseas factories and cross-functional teams to deliver multiple collections under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred.
• 5–8 years of handbag design experience in junior market preferred.
• 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 relevant to the junior market.
• Design Development: Create compelling, on-trend handbag designs from concept through production.
• Technical Documentation: Create sketches, CADs, and tech packs for development.
• Overseas Communication: Daily communication with overseas factories to manage samples and troubleshoot issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with production and sourcing on materials, trims, and hardware.
• Surface Design: Design and develop prints and embellishments.
• Project Management: Manage multiple collections and projects under tight deadlines.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Digital sketching

Technical specs

Print design

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design/Accessories Design

Tools

CAD software

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.

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

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)
• 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-$125,000. 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. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.