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.
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
- 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:
Essential duties include
- 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)
- Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
- 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-$115,000. 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
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field
- Minimum of 5-8 years of handbag design experience
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
- 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
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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