About this role
This is a Temporary position.
General Summary
The Sr. Designer - Temp is responsible for leading the creative direction and execution of the seasonal collections. 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 five days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead design direction for one or more accessories categories
- Conceptualize seasonal themes, mood boards, color stories, silhouette direction
- Create sketches, flats, tech packs, and detailed spec sheets
- Oversee sample development: fit reviews, revisions, approvals
- Collaborate with merchandising to balance creative vision with sales goals and margin targets
- Identify fabrics, trims, prints, embellishments, and source vendors
- Attend showrooms, trend shows, and trade fairs to gather inspiration and monitor market
- Mentor junior designers and review their work
- Work with production and sourcing teams on costing, lead times, and vendor partnerships
- Review pre-production and production samples, provide feedback and final approvals
- Occasionally assist with marketing, lookbooks, and seasonal presentations
- 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
- Experience with trend forecasting, fabric/trims sourcing, and execution in apparel
- Deep understanding of handbag construction, fit, sewing techniques, and quality control
- Experience working cross-functionally with merchandising, technical design, and production
- Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate design rationale
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple lines/projects under tight deadlines
- Experience mentoring or leading a small design team
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Handbag Design, Textile Design or related field experience
- Minimum of 6+ years’ experience designing women’s apparel (or relevant category)
- Strong hand sketching ability
- Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop
- A portfolio showcasing design work (collections, sketches, flats, executed garments)
- Fluency in CAD or 3D garment visualization tools
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $60.00-$70.00/hour. 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.
Other facts
About Steve Madden
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.
What you'll do
- The Senior Designer leads the creative direction and execution of seasonal collections, supporting the Wholesale Handbags business by conceptualizing themes, creating necessary design documentation, and overseeing sample development.
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