Who We Are:
Steve Madden is a global fashion company known for its innovative, trend-driven footwear, accessories, and apparel. Founded in 1990 in Queens, New York, the company has grown from a footwear startup into a globally recognized fashion organization with a portfolio of leading brands, including Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Carvela, Blondo, and ATM.
With a presence in more than 80 countries, Steve Madden operates across wholesale, retail, e-commerce, licensing, and private label businesses. The company is driven by creativity, individuality, and a fast-paced entrepreneurial spirit, bringing fashion-forward products to consumers around the world.
General Summary:
We’re looking for a creative, detail-oriented Design Assistant to join our footwear Design team and help bring seasonal product concepts to life. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain exposure to the full footwear design and development process, from initial concepts and color/material direction through samples and final product execution.
The Associate Designer will work closely with the Design team on CADs, colorways, materials, specs, samples, and development, while helping keep seasonal projects organized and moving forward. The ideal candidate has a strong eye for fashion and detail, is excited by footwear, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
This position is based in our NYC office and requires working 4 days onsite and 1 day remote.
Major Responsibilities:
- Support the Design team throughout the seasonal footwear design and development process, from concept through sample execution.
- Create and update footwear CADs, colorways, and technical specifications based on seasonal direction and design feedback.
- Translate creative concepts into compelling and accurate CADs and design updates.
- Make design revisions based on feedback from Designers and cross-functional partners.
- Assist with color, material, trim, and hardware selections to bring seasonal concepts to life.
- Research and help identify relevant materials, finishes, and design details that support the brand and seasonal direction.
- Organize and maintain samples, materials, swatches, and seasonal development to keep the team efficient and on track.
- Prepare design materials and presentations for design reviews, meetings, and seasonal presentations.
- Assist with development packages, sample tracking, and shipments.
- Partner with team members to follow up on daily development needs and help ensure projects stay on schedule.
- Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Support additional design projects and initiatives as needed.
Skills, Education, Licenses, Certificates, Registrations and/or Experience:
- Degree in Footwear Design, Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field.
- 1–2 years of design experience preferred; relevant internships will be considered.
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Strong CAD and technical design skills.
- Working knowledge of Excel.
- Good understanding of color, materials, proportion, construction, and footwear design.
- Strong visual eye and attention to detail.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to take direction, incorporate feedback, and communicate clearly.
- Collaborative, proactive, and eager to learn.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven fashion environment.
FULL TIME POSITIONS: The expected base salary for this position ranges from $26.00/Hr - $28.85/Hr. 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.
Skills Required
- Degree in Footwear Design, Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field
- 1-2 years of design experience
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Strong CAD and technical design skills
- Working knowledge of Excel
- Understanding of color, materials, proportion, construction, and footwear design
- Strong visual eye and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Ability to take direction, incorporate feedback, and communicate clearly
- Collaborative, proactive, and eager to learn
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven fashion environment
Steve Madden Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Steve Madden and has not been reviewed or approved by Steve Madden.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage plus FSAs, an EAP, and wellness initiatives such as health fairs, flu shots, and Wellness Wednesdays. Feedback suggests these offerings are robust for eligible full-time employees.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with company matching contributions is available. This provides structured support for long-term savings.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employee merchandise discounts and extras like seasonal free shoes and third-party discount programs are emphasized. These lifestyle perks add tangible non-cash value to the total rewards package.
Steve Madden Insights
What We Do
Steven Madden, Ltd. is globally recognized as a leading company in the fashion industry. What began as a modest $1100 investment in 1990 has developed into one of the most iconic brands in footwear. From a factory in Queens, NY, Steve Madden has revolutionized the shoe industry, merging years of experience with unique and creative designs. Inspired by rock and roll and his NY roots, Steve’s vision to provide on-trend women and men with an outlet to express their individuality is innovative, daring, and inspiring. Steve’s innate understanding of trends and unparalleled willpower have resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of fashion. In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Kurt Geiger London®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Carvela®, Blondo® and ATM®, Steve Madden licenses footwear, handbags and other accessory categories for the Anne Klein® brand. In addition, Steve Madden designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers and independent stores. Steve Madden also directly operates brick-and-mortar retail stores and e-commerce websites. In addition, Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products in the apparel, accessory, and home categories. With an emphasis on retail, wholesale, licensing and international business, there's a constant need for new ideas and versatility. Our environment is extremely fast paced and requires associates to maintain a balance of energy and professionalism. Steve Madden is about fashion-forward product and great people. Our employees are energized, intelligent and passionate about our business and committed to providing excellent customer service.
