Associate Designer
Designer Brands · New York, NY
- On site
- Full-time
- $82,500 / year
- New York, NY
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Subject: Interested in the Associate Designer role at Designer Brands
Hi Morgan — I came across the Associate Designer opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Designer Brands stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Shape handbag future through design.
- Trend research to product execution.
- Collaborate with experienced designers.
- Develop technical drawings and tech packs.
- Hybrid role with NYC showroom presence.
About the role
Associate Designer
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
The Opportunity
At Designer Brands, creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. As an Associate Designer, you’ll be part of a passionate team shaping the future of handbags. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is eager to bring fresh ideas to life. You’ll work closely with experienced designers and cross-functional teams to transform concepts into products that inspire confidence and style. This is a hybrid role that requires the ability to work from our NYC showroom as needed. Typically, around 3 days per week, with increased in-office time during key development periods.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll be hands-on throughout the design journey—from trend research to final product execution. Your work will directly influence the look and feel of our seasonal collections.
Trend & Concept Development
- Gather inspiration through market research, trend analysis, and visual sourcing (tearsheets, screenshots, etc.)
- Participate in identifying seasonal fashion directions, including fabrics, techniques, trims, and silhouettes
- Assist in creating illustrations and digital renderings using Photoshop and Illustrator
Design Execution & Collaboration
- Support sketching and specing under the guidance of senior design leaders
- Enter and maintain accurate design specifications in internal systems
- Prepare presentation boards and concept materials for design meetings
- Collaborate with overseas teams to communicate design intent and updates
Technical Design & Product Development
- Develop flat sketches and detailed tech/design packs with precision
- Attend fittings and update sketches based on fit notes
- Review prototypes and revise tech packs to reflect changes
- Partner with production teams to ensure designs meet pricing and market guidelines
Seasonal Line Management
- Work with Assistant Designers to build seasonal line sheets
- Support sample management and showroom setup
- Present design projects and contribute to the overall design vision
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Communicate regularly with development, production, and sales teams to ensure smooth seasonal execution
- Anticipate and manage design deadlines to meet critical milestones
- Travel to Columbus, Ohio office as needed
What You’ll Need
We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but also curious, adaptable, and ready to grow.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong visual and creative sensibility with the ability to sketch and CAD
- Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Highly organized with strong time management and attention to detail
- Professional, flexible, and customer-focused mindset
Experience
- 3–5 years of footwear design experience
- Proven ability to create technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards
- Experience participating in sample fittings and corrections
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Design, or a related field (footwear, fashion, or industrial design)
Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
Hiring Range Notification
The successful candidate's actual pay rate offer will consider a wide range of job-related factors including skill sets, years and nature of relevant experience, training, pay rates of associates in similar positions, the candidate's location, and other organizational needs. The estimated hiring pay range has been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential. This position may be eligible for additional incentive compensation, which may include bonuses, or other forms of variable pay, subject to applicable program requirements and company discretion. This range does not include benefits such as health insurance, paid or unpaid time off work, and/or retirement benefits, unless required by law. Benefits eligibility may vary based on where you work and your position. Visit https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi/ to learn more!
Job Details
Pay Range $75000.00 - $90000.00 / hour
Pay Transparency Company complies with Pay Transparency rules.
Key skills/competency
- Associate Designer
- Handbag Design
- Trend Research
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Technical Design
- Product Development
- Fashion Merchandising
- CAD
- Collaboration
Skills & topics
- Associate Designer
- Handbag Design
- Trend Research
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Technical Design
- Product Development
- Fashion
- Design
- Apparel Design
- Footwear Design
- CAD
- Collaboration
- NYC
- Fashion Merchandising
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 3-5 years of footwear design experience, CAD skills, and proficiency in Illustrator/Photoshop.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include examples of technical drawings, tech packs, and merchandising boards.
- Demonstrate soft skills: Emphasize your communication, collaboration, organization, and customer focus.
- Prepare for collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams and overseas partners.
- Understand the brand: Research Designer Brands' portfolio and core values to align your application.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Associate Designer role at Designer Brands?
- This is a hybrid role, typically requiring 3 days per week in the NYC showroom, with potential for increased in-office time during key development periods. Remote work opportunities are also mentioned as part of their flexible approach.
- What software proficiency is required for the Associate Designer position at Designer Brands?
- The Associate Designer role requires proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Strong CAD skills are also essential for this position.
- What is the typical experience level sought for an Associate Designer at Designer Brands?
- Designer Brands is looking for candidates with 3-5 years of relevant footwear design experience. This includes proven ability in creating technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards.
- What educational background is preferred for the Associate Designer role?
- A Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Design, or a related field such as footwear, fashion, or industrial design is preferred for this Associate Designer position.
- What are some of the key responsibilities of an Associate Designer at Designer Brands?
- Key responsibilities include market and trend research, creating illustrations and renderings, developing technical drawings and tech packs, attending fittings, collaborating with overseas teams, and managing seasonal line sheets.
- What benefits does Designer Brands offer its associates?
- Designer Brands offers a comprehensive benefits package, including virtual healthcare, family/fertility benefits, 401(k) with match, and employee discounts of 30% at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across their family of brands.
- How does Designer Brands handle compensation for the Associate Designer role?
- The hiring range for this position is $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per hour. The final pay rate will consider factors like skills, experience, location, and other organizational needs, and the company complies with Pay Transparency rules.
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