We’re looking for a passionate and trend‑driven Handbag Designer to join the Steve Madden International Handbags design team in our NYC office. This role is responsible for creating and developing a compelling product line that captures the energy of the brand while resonating with our global customer. You’ll play a hands‑on role throughout the design process—from concept to sample—bringing fresh ideas, strong design instincts, and a keen eye for market trends.
This position is based in New York City and requires onsite collaboration with our dynamic, fast‑paced design team.
Major Responsibilities- Research global and domestic markets, shop key retail destinations, and stay closely connected to the consumer to identify emerging trends
- Conceptualize and design handbag collections that align with brand DNA, price point, and target customer
- Source, select, and develop materials including leathers, fabrics, and trims to bring designs to life
- Create, review, and present samples as envisioned, ensuring design integrity throughout development
- Attend industry trade shows and market appointments to stay ahead of trends and innovations
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with merchandising, development, and production teams
- Support special projects and seasonal initiatives as needed
- Perform additional duties as assigned
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently
- Highly conceptual thinker with the ability to plan, execute, and problem‑solve independently
- Strong organizational skills with excellent follow‑through and attention to detail
- Comfortable working with confidential and sensitive information, always exercising discretion
- Ability to anticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions under limited supervision
- Capable of guiding and supporting junior team members or interns when needed
- Adaptable, collaborative, and energized by a fast‑moving creative environment
- College degree in fashion, design, or a related arts field preferred
- 3–5 years of experience in handbags or a related fashion accessories category
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CAD experience strongly preferred
- Solid understanding of the target customer, market positioning, and competitive landscape
If you thrive at the intersection of creativity, trend forecasting, and product development—and want to design handbags for a globally recognized brand—this is an exciting opportunity to make your mark with Steve Madden International Handbags.
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $80,000 - $85,000. 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 in the arts preferred
- 3-5 years experience in fashion related industry
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and CAD preferred
- Knowledge of target market
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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