At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
The Opportunity
At Designer Brands, creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. As an Associate Designer, you’ll be part of a passionate team shaping the future of handbags. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is eager to bring fresh ideas to life. You’ll work closely with experienced designers and cross-functional teams to transform concepts into products that inspire confidence and style. This is a hybrid role that requires the ability to work from our NYC showroom as needed. Typically, around 3 days per week, with increased in-office time during key development periods.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll be hands-on throughout the design journey—from trend research to final product execution. Your work will directly influence the look and feel of our seasonal collections.
Trend & Concept Development
- Gather inspiration through market research, trend analysis, and visual sourcing (tearsheets, screenshots, etc.)
- Participate in identifying seasonal fashion directions, including fabrics, techniques, trims, and silhouettes
- Assist in creating illustrations and digital renderings using Photoshop and Illustrator
Design Execution & Collaboration
- Support sketching and specing under the guidance of senior design leaders
- Enter and maintain accurate design specifications in internal systems
- Prepare presentation boards and concept materials for design meetings
- Collaborate with overseas teams to communicate design intent and updates
Technical Design & Product Development
- Develop flat sketches and detailed tech/design packs with precision
- Attend fittings and update sketches based on fit notes
- Review prototypes and revise tech packs to reflect changes
- Partner with production teams to ensure designs meet pricing and market guidelines
Seasonal Line Management
- Work with Assistant Designers to build seasonal line sheets
- Support sample management and showroom setup
- Present design projects and contribute to the overall design vision
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Communicate regularly with development, production, and sales teams to ensure smooth seasonal execution
- Anticipate and manage design deadlines to meet critical milestones
- Travel to Columbus, Ohio office as needed
What You’ll Need
We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but also curious, adaptable, and ready to grow.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong visual and creative sensibility with the ability to sketch and CAD
- Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Highly organized with strong time management and attention to detail
- Professional, flexible, and customer-focused mindset
Experience
- 3–5 years of footwear design experience
- Proven ability to create technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards
- Experience participating in sample fittings and corrections
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Design, or a related field (footwear, fashion, or industrial design)
Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
Skills Required
- 3-5 years of footwear design experience
- Proven ability to create technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
- Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong visual and creative sensibility with sketching ability
- Experience participating in sample fittings and corrections
- Highly organized with strong time management and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Design, or related field
What We Do
Designer Brands is one of North America’s largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories that operates retail concepts. Our primary concept, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, offers brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories. The first store opened in 1991 in Dublin, Ohio. Today, DSW operates more than 500 stores in 44 states. The Affiliated Business Group operates nearly 290 leased departments for other retailers, such as Stein Mart, in the U.S. Designer Brands also operates several retail concepts in Canada, including The Shoe Company and Shoe Warehouse, which provide a convenient footwear solution for the whole family, as well as DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse – nearly 150 locations in all. In 2018, the company acquired Camuto Group, the legendary product design and brand development organization best known for the successful Vince Camuto® brand and the footwear licenses of Jessica Simpson® and Lucky Brand®. The partnership transformed Designer Brands into one of the largest footwear companies in North America with global, industry-leading capabilities in product design, development, sourcing and production.
