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Leather Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Designer Brands

Raw Materials Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

About Designer Brands At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe ... Support ongoing leather and materials research to drive innovation and improvement * Stay informed ...

Tecovas

Assistant Designer, Women's Footwear

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$65K - $70K/yr

Tecovas is looking for an Assistant Designer to support the Women's Footwear Design team in ... Bonus points for experience in leather goods and an understanding of Western lifestyle or culture ...

Tecovas

Assistant Designer, Women's Footwear

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Tecovas is looking for an Assistant Designer to support the Women's Footwear Design team in ... Bonus points for experience in leather goods and an understanding of Western lifestyle or culture ...

J.Jill

Senior Designer, Accessories

Quincy, MA

$107K - $114K/yr

The Senior Designer partners closely with the Creative Director, apparel Design Directors ... Select and develop leathers, materials, custom hardware, and finishes that support both design ...

Brindley Engineering

Staff Structural Designer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Detail-oriented, reliable, creative team-player to assist engineers or lead other designers in ... leather gloves, and leather, steel-toed work boots. You may be required to position yourself to ...

Brindley Engineering

Staff Structural Designer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Detail-oriented, reliable, creative team-player to assist engineers or lead other designers in ... and leather, steel-toed work boots. • You may be required to position yourself to work in ...

Michael Kors

Footwear Designer

New York, NY

You are a prolific designer with a strong fashion sense, trend awareness, and industry knowledge of ... In-depth knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, color ways, construction techniques, leather and ...

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Leather Designer information

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$30.5K

$72.8K

$108K

How much do leather designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for leather designer in the United States is $72,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Leather Designer on a day-to-day basis?

As a Leather Designer, your daily tasks often include researching fashion trends, sketching new designs, selecting appropriate leathers and hardware, and preparing technical specifications for prototypes. You will frequently collaborate with production teams, suppliers, and clients to ensure your designs are feasible and meet project requirements. Additionally, you may supervise the sample-making process, make adjustments based on feedback, and visit leather suppliers to source materials. This dynamic role requires balancing creative work with practical project management and quality control.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Leather Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Leather Designer, you need strong skills in fashion or product design, a good understanding of materials and tanning processes, and usually a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, pattern-making tools, and knowledge of industry-specific materials and technologies is highly valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help Leather Designers collaborate with suppliers, clients, and team members. These skills ensure that designers can create innovative, functional, and marketable leather goods suited to client and industry demands.

What is a Leather Designer job?

A Leather Designer creates and develops leather products such as handbags, footwear, garments, and accessories. They are responsible for selecting leather materials, designing patterns, and working with manufacturers to produce high-quality goods. The role requires creativity, knowledge of leather properties, and skills in cutting, stitching, and finishing techniques. Leather Designers often stay updated on fashion trends and sustainability practices to create innovative and eco-friendly designs.

More about Leather Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Leather Designer jobs? Cities with the most Leather Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Leather Designer jobs? The most popular types of Leather Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Leather Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Leather Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Leather Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Leather Designer jobs are:
Leather Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Leather Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,849 per year, or $35 per hour.
Raw Materials Specialist

Raw Materials Specialist

Designer Brands

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Designer Brands rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Designer Brands
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
As a Raw Materials Specialist, you will play a hands-on role in shaping how our ideas come to life through leather and materials. You will connect design vision with real-world execution, helping translate creativity into materials that our partners can bring to life at scale.
You will work closely with design, sourcing, and vendor partners across regions to move ideas from concept to reality. This is a highly collaborative role where your knowledge of materials, curiosity, and ability to problem-solve will directly impact the product we create and how we bring it to market.
This role reports to the Director of Raw Materials and sits at the intersection of design, innovation, and global sourcing.
What you'll be doing
Bring design ideas to life through materials
  • Partner with design teams to explore new ideas, materials, and innovations
  • Translate design concepts into clear, actionable direction for sourcing teams and vendor partners
  • Recommend creative solutions when design requests fall outside existing sourcing or cost frameworks
  • Ensure material choices align with brand direction and seasonal storytelling

Lead and support material research and development
  • Support ongoing leather and materials research to drive innovation and improvement
  • Stay informed on emerging trends, sustainability, and new developments through industry events and shows
  • Build and maintain a resource library of materials for seasonal inspiration and long-term reference

Collaborate across teams and regions
  • Work closely with design and sourcing teams to align on development and allocation strategies
  • Partner with regional sourcing teams to ensure materials capabilities match product needs
  • Contribute to building and maintaining a strong portfolio of vendor partners across regions
  • Help strengthen relationships with material vendors to expand access to relevant materials and innovations

Support execution and delivery
  • Help ensure key development milestones and timelines are met
  • Create and manage material trackers, including cost and development status
  • Support sample development, including evaluating hand feel, finishing, and construction
  • Use technical expertise to balance design intent with cost requirements and feasibility

Advance digital and operational processes
  • Partner with sourcing teams to support material and trim digitalization across vendors
  • Help maintain consistency between design and sourcing throughout development

What you'll need
Experience and background
  • 5 or more years of experience in leather and materials research and development
  • Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent work experience

Technical knowledge
  • Strong understanding of leather, materials, construction methods, and finishing techniques
  • Familiarity with product development and production processes, preferably in footwear

Skills and capabilities
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Clear communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate data
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate options and make informed decisions
  • Ability to collaborate across teams and build alignment
  • Confidence working with a range of partners, including designers, production teams, and senior leaders

Working style and collaboration
  • Ability to build strong relationships with material vendors and internal partners
  • Curiosity and awareness of current and emerging material trends
  • Openness to travel domestically and internationally

Work environment
  • Hybrid role based in New York City, with an expectation to work in the office 3 to 4 days per week

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.

What Designer Brands employees say

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About Designer Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Designer Brands Inc. is one of North America's largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories. * Designer Brands Inc. operates a portfolio of retail concepts in nearly 1,000 locations under the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Shoe Warehouse brands and operates leased locations in the U.S through its Affiliated Business Group. * Designer Brands designs and produces footwear and accessories through Camuto Group, a leading manufacturer selling in more than 5,400 doors worldwide.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US

Year founded

1969

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