Designer, Handbags

The Opportunity

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 handbags that resonate 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.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Candidates should expect to work onsite 2-4 days per week as business needs require. During peak periods, 3-4 days in the office may be expected.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design & Creative Development

• Translate seasonal brand direction, trend insights, consumer research, and market opportunities into innovative handbag 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.

Product Design & Technical Execution

• 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.

Product Development & Cross-Functional Partnership

• 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.

Prototype Review & Product Refinement

• 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.

Project Management & Seasonal Execution

• 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.

Collaboration & Team Support

• Partner with peers…