Designer, Handbags (Jessica Simpson)

Designer Brands Inc.•New York, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Designer supporting the Jessica Simpson brand, you'll help bring innovative, consumer-relevant products to life that stay true to the brand's identity while evolving to meet the needs of today's customer. In this role, you'll blend trend insight, creativity, and commercial thinking to create footwear that resonates in the marketplace. Working closely with Design, Development, Production, and Sales partners, you'll translate seasonal direction into compelling product concepts and collections that drive consumer demand and support business goals. From initial inspiration to final product execution, you'll have the opportunity to influence every stage of the design process while helping shape the future of an iconic brand. This role is ideal for a designer who is curious, collaborative, highly organized, and energized by turning ideas into products that customers love.

Requirements

5+ years of footwear design experience.
Experience creating technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards.
Experience managing multiple design projects through the full product lifecycle, from concept to commercialization.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, or Industrial Design.
Ability to leverage market research, trend analysis, and industry knowledge to contribute to seasonal design direction.
Strong understanding of footwear design principles, materials, color, construction, and product development.
Ability to sketch, create CADs, and apply foundational design concepts to commercial product creation.
Ability to translate creative ideas into compelling consumer-focused products.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience creating technical specifications, digital renderings, and development documentation.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Design, Production, Development, and Sales.
Ability to build productive working relationships with internal and external partners, including overseas development teams.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and seasonal timelines.

Responsibilities

Translate seasonal brand direction, trend insights, consumer research, and market opportunities into innovative footwear designs.
Create product concepts that align with the Jessica Simpson brand aesthetic while supporting business objectives and market needs.
Research emerging trends, materials, colors, and consumer preferences to inspire new design solutions.
Partner with the Design Director to make decisions regarding color, material selections, and overall assortment direction.
Present design concepts and clearly communicate creative vision to cross-functional stakeholders.
Develop sketches, CADs, digital renderings, illustrations, and technical drawings for new product concepts.
Create and maintain detailed tech packs, product specifications, and development documentation.
Utilize Photoshop, Illustrator, and related design tools to communicate design intent and material applications.
Complete digital templates and design deliverables in accordance with established timelines and standards.
Ensure designs align with brand guidelines, development requirements, and production expectations.
Partner closely with Production teams to design products that meet pricing objectives, quality standards, and target market expectations.
Collaborate with Design, Development, Production, and Sales teams throughout the product creation process.
Communicate effectively with overseas development partners, including leather and fabric teams.
Manage development specifications and support product execution from concept through commercialization.
Ensure design objectives are accurately reflected throughout the development and production process.
Review prototypes and samples throughout the development cycle.
Evaluate product execution and recommend design refinements as needed.
Update technical packages and specifications to reflect approved changes and modifications.
Help ensure final products maintain the intended design vision while meeting functional and commercial requirements.
Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting critical milestones and calendar deadlines.
Anticipate challenges proactively and adjust priorities to support successful seasonal execution.
Maintain strong organization and attention to detail throughout all phases of the design process.
Support the successful execution of seasonal line development from concept through final presentation.
Partner with peers and Sales teams to support seasonal initiatives and business objectives.
Share ideas, insights, and feedback to contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Build strong working relationships across functions to support efficient decision-making and product development.
Coach and support one or two Assistant Designers, when applicable, helping them grow their technical and creative capabilities.
Attend trade shows, market appointments, and industry events as needed.
Travel internationally when required to support product development, sourcing, and business needs.