Design Manager, Handbags

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Handbags

Company: Steve Madden

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving the product design strategy for Steve Madden's Branded Main Line Handbags, demanding a keen eye for fashion trends and brand alignment.

• The Design Manager will be responsible for the complete product lifecycle, from initial concept and material sourcing to final technical specifications and CAD presentations.

• A key aspect of this position involves deep market research, including attending trade shows and analyzing retail trends, to ensure designs resonate with the target customer and the brand's aesthetic.

• This role requires managing multiple projects concurrently within a fast-paced environment, necessitating strong organizational and time management skills to meet critical deadlines without compromising design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are in product design, the emphasis on factory communication, material sourcing, and technical packs suggests a need for strong cross-functional collaboration and project management skills, aligning with operational excellence in a product development context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop innovative handbag designs, including Small Leather Goods (SLGs) and weekenders, ensuring they align with the Steve Madden brand identity and target customer profile.

• Source and select new materials by communicating directly with factories and overseas teams, staying ahead of emerging trends and aesthetic possibilities.

• Create comprehensive CAD illustrations and presentation decks to effectively communicate design concepts to internal teams and stakeholders.

• Develop detailed tech packs and print specifications, ensuring accuracy and clarity for manufacturing and production processes.

• Conduct thorough market research by attending trade shows, shopping local and international retail, and analyzing fashion trends to inform design direction and maintain brand relevance.

• Manage the end-to-end product development process for assigned accounts, balancing specific customer needs with overall brand vision and aesthetic integrity.

• Execute multiple design projects simultaneously within a dynamic, fast-paced setting, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and meet stringent deadlines.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, production, and sales, to ensure seamless product development and market readiness.

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned, contributing to broader design initiatives and operational improvements within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for strong process ownership from ideation through to specification, requiring detailed documentation and clear communication protocols, which are core to operational efficiency in design management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in a design-related field.

Experience: 5-7 years of dedicated design experience, with a strong preference for a background in handbag design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating detailed design sketches and illustrations.

• Expertise in Adobe Photoshop for visual mock-ups, colorways, and presentation materials.

• Advanced skills in CAD illustration for presenting design concepts and technical details effectively.

• Demonstrated ability in product development, from concept ideation through to final design specifications.

• Experience in developing detailed tech packs and print specifications for manufacturing.

• Proven ability to conduct trend research and translate findings into commercially viable designs.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with factories, overseas teams, and internal departments.

• Excellent project management capabilities, with a track record of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.

• A keen understanding of the handbag market, consumer trends, and the Steve Madden brand aesthetic. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software for product visualization.

• Knowledge of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes in the fashion industry.

• Experience managing junior designers or interns.

• Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on technical skills like Adobe Suite and CAD, coupled with experience in product development and tech packs, points to a role that requires a blend of creative talent and process-driven execution, typical of design operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of handbag designs, including concepts, CAD renderings, and detailed technical specifications (tech packs).

• Demonstrate end-to-end product development capabilities, highlighting the process from initial trend research and material sourcing to final product execution.

• Include case studies or examples of designs developed for specific accounts or customer segments, illustrating how individual needs were met while adhering to brand guidelines.

• Showcase proficiency in creating compelling presentation decks that effectively communicate design vision, market insights, and product viability. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes, including workflow for material selection, concept development, and spec creation.

• Evidence of implementing or optimizing design workflows to improve efficiency and reduce time-to-market.

• Demonstrate understanding of how design specifications integrate with broader production and manufacturing systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for design roles. For this Design Manager position, it should not only display creative output but also evidence of structured design processes, meticulous documentation (tech packs), and an understanding of how design integrates into the broader product development and manufacturing operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $135,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage.

• Dental Insurance plan.

• Life Insurance policy.

• Disability Insurance for income protection.

• 401K retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Holidays throughout the year.

• Generous Paid Time-Off (PTO) policy for work-life balance.

• Career development opportunities within a dynamic fashion organization.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, reflecting a standard full-time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the upper-mid to senior level for design management roles in a major metropolitan area like New York City, especially within the fashion industry. The benefits package is standard for a full-time employee at a reputable organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail, specializing in footwear, handbags, and accessories. Steve Madden is known for its trend-driven, accessible luxury positioning within the global fashion market.

Company Size: Steve Madden operates as a significant player in the fashion industry, with a substantial employee base that facilitates specialized departments and a structured organizational hierarchy. This size allows for dedicated teams in design, merchandising, production, and operations.

Founded: Steve Madden was founded in 1990, establishing a long-standing reputation for contemporary, stylish, and often edgy fashion products. This history implies a culture that values innovation while respecting brand heritage.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely structured by product category (e.g., handbags, footwear) and potentially by brand or market segment. The Design Manager will lead a sub-team focused on Branded Main Line Handbags.

• Reporting structure typically involves the Design Manager reporting to a Director or VP of Design, with direct reports being Assistant Designers and/or Interns.

• Collaboration is crucial, involving close partnerships with Merchandising, Product Development, Sales, and Production teams to ensure designs are aligned with business objectives and manufacturability. Methodology:

• Design decisions are driven by a combination of market trend analysis, sales data, and brand aesthetic. The process emphasizes agility to respond to fast-moving fashion cycles.

• Workflow planning involves iterative design stages, from initial sketching to detailed specifications, with feedback loops from various departments.

• Automation is likely leveraged through design software (Adobe Suite, CAD) for efficiency in creation and presentation.

Company Website: https://www.stevemadden.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Steve Madden's brand identity suggests a fast-paced, trend-conscious, and results-oriented culture. For operations professionals, this translates to a need for adaptability, efficiency, and a strong focus on execution within design and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level within the design and product development function. It requires not only creative expertise but also leadership, project management, and strategic thinking to guide a product category. The scope includes significant responsibility for a key product line and direct contribution to revenue through design.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level design executive (e.g., Director of Design, VP of Design). They will likely manage a small team of junior designers and/or interns, fostering their development and overseeing their contributions