Associate Designer, Footwear

Madewell • New York, NY

4d • $64,200 - $79,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

Madewell is seeking an Associate Designer, Footwear to join its Design team and help develop seasonal footwear collections. The role partners with Merchandising, Sourcing, and other cross-functional teams to create product that is on-brand, commercially relevant, and aligned with customer needs. The Associate Designer supports footwear design and development from initial concept through final production, contributes to seasonal direction, and manages the details and execution needed to bring products to market.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of footwear design experience, preferably within fashion, specialty, or vertical retail.
• Strong understanding of footwear design, construction, materials, and manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong sketching and technical drawing skills.
• A strong eye for color, proportion, material, and detail.
• Ability to translate trends and inspiration into commercially relevant product.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across creative and business teams.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn and contribute.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of seasonal footwear collections across key categories.
• Research fashion, color, material, silhouette, and consumer trends to inform product development.
• Create sketches, technical drawings, colorways, and design concepts under the direction of the Footwear Design team.
• Build and maintain seasonal design presentations, line plans, mood boards, and product documentation.
• Partner with Design and Merchandising to understand business needs, customer insights, and seasonal product strategies.
• Work with Sourcing to ensure designs are executed accurately and meet quality, cost, and timing expectations.
• Review samples and provide detailed feedback on design, construction, materials, color, and fit.
• Participate in sample reviews and seasonal milestone meetings.
• Maintain accurate product information and communicate design details throughout development.
• Support the creation and maintenance of tech packs and other product specifications.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Stay current on footwear, fashion, retail, and competitive trends and bring relevant inspiration and ideas to the team.
• Collaborate across functions to help resolve product and execution challenges during the development cycle.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance for eligible associates and family members.
• Family planning support, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
• Fitness discounts and medical travel benefits.
• Associate discount across J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell brands.
• Hybrid work model and early office closure at 1:00 PM on Fridays during the summer months.
• Philanthropic community support through the J.Crew Cares Program.
• PTO package and a winter break at the end of December for eligible full-time Home Office associates.
• Opportunity for bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed