General Summary
The Designer, Handbags is responsible for helping to design elevated commercial fashion product. They will report to the SVP of handbags and work closely alongside the Design Director and other creative teams. They will also play a pivotal role in pre-production as the liaison, between design. This position supports the Wholesale Handbags business.
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
- Concept, and Design product from start to finish including new artwork and hardware development.
- Ability to execute clear, technical handbag specs for development and production.
- Study markets, shop retail, and interact with consumer to establish trends.
- Have strong knowledge of handbag construction and ability to problem solve unique constructions for price.
- Ability to create repeat prints from scratch, hardware from scratch.
- Source and choose materials (PU, fabric, ornamentation) for samples.
- Work with production team to ensure product ships according to design plan.
- Present sample as envisioned.
- Organizational work for division
- Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Specific Job Skills:
Essential duties include
- Good time management and organizational skills required
- Sketching ability
- Must use Illustrator to sketch and Illustrator/Photoshop for print artwork development.
- Detail oriented
- Teamwork and working closely with other product categories to support the brand vision.
- Ability to perform complex verbal and written communications face-to-face and in- group settings.
Required Qualifications
- College Degree or related field
- Minimum of 7+ years experience in fashion handbag industry
- Proficient in Adobe Suite
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and CAD
- Knowledge of target market
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $95,000-$110,000. 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
Skills Required
- College Degree or related field
- Minimum of 7+ years experience in fashion handbag industry
- Proficient in Adobe Suite
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and CAD
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
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.
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