Assistant Handbag Designer - NYC

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:

The Assistant Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director and Senior Designers in the development of seasonal handbag collections from concept through production. This role provides critical support throughout the design and product development process, ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely execution across all handbag accounts. The 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.

Major Responsibilities:

Support the Design Director and Senior Designers in the development of seasonal handbag assortments for Wholesale and Off-Price accounts.

Assist the design team throughout all stages of the design process, ensuring alignment with the seasonal calendar across multiple product categories, including handbags, gifting, and small leather goods (SLGs).

Create detailed CAD drawings, technical sketches, and renderings using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for client presentations, sample development, and vendor communication.

Create, update, and maintain specification sheets, ensuring design details, construction information, and materials are accurate throughout development and production.

Maintain color standards by tracking lab dips, organizing approval samples, and updating seasonal color charts.

Organize and manage material, color, trim, and hardware libraries, ensuring all design resources are current and accessible.

Prepare presentation boards, sample reviews, and materials for market meetings, client presentations, and internal design reviews.

Maintain and organize the sample closet, accurately tracking incoming and outgoing samples and development pieces.

Collaborate with Technical Design and Product Development teams to ensure design intent and specifications are communicated clearly and executed accurately.

Track sample development progress and proactively follow up with overseas factories and cross-functional teams to meet key milestones and deadlines.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with overseas vendors and factories to support timely sample execution and development needs.

Assist in maintaining seasonal line lists, development trackers, and other design documentation.

Support cross-functional communication with Production, Technical Design, Merchandising, and Sales teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills:

Ability to multitask effectively and adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining progress on existing projects.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Working knowledge of handbag construction, materials, hardware, and trims.

Experience working with leather, PVC, and other handbag materials preferred.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while demonstrating initiative and ownership of assigned responsibilities.

Education, Licenses, Certificates, Registrations and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field.

1-3 years of design experience, preferably in handbags, accessories, or related categories.

Strong creative eye with an understanding of current market trends and consumer preferences.

Excellent illustration, sketching, and visual presentation skills.

Understanding of handbag construction, materials, hardware, and manufacturing processes.

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly motivated.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and overseas vendors.