Jr. Design Associate - 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 Jr. Design Associate is an integral member of the apparel team, supporting the development of innovative, fashion-forward products that reflect the Steve Madden brand. This role offers exposure to every stage of the design lifecycle, including trend forecasting, product design, sample development, and cross-functional collaboration. Ideal for an emerging designer, this position provides an exciting opportunity to learn, contribute creatively, and grow within a dynamic and entrepreneurial fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create swatch books for all fabrics, trim, used in design.
• Maintain an up-to-date picture record of all samples and also an up-to-date file of all names and style numbers.
• Check in all orders received and handle all shipping.
• Keep all sample rooms organized.
• Track all sample orders, and ad samples.
• Collaborate in sketching and detailing.
• Assists in trend forecasting.
• Assisting in CAD color up
• Collaborate in designing the product line.
• Create line sheets.
• Preparation of correspondences, spreadsheets, and forms
• Communicate with vendors.
• Assists in the confirmation process.
• Assists in brand direction and trend forecasting.
• Domestic and International travel
• 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

• Ability to perform complex verbal and written communications face-to-face and in group settings.
• Majority of decisions are made utilizing established policies and procedures, and concern self and/or work responsibilities only.
• Work responsibilities occasionally concern confidential and/or sensitive information requiring the use of discretion.
• Job duties are somewhat varied, occasionally requiring conceptualizing, planning and implementing.
• Assertive self-starter with strong decision-making ability.
• Ability to work in a multi-task, high pressure environment.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and time management skills essential
• Strong follow-up and completion skills
• Personable and excellent customer service skills are essential.
• Under limited supervision, anticipates and solves problems for self and other lower-level employees.
• Provides basic work direction and support to small groups of usually skilled and semi-skilled employees

Required Qualifications

• College Degree in Arts/Fashion or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the field
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to sketch and CAD
• Creative background a plus

FULL TIME POSITIONS: The expected base salary for this position ranges from $60,000 - $65,000. 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.