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Senior Handbag Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Steve Madden

Sr. Designer, Handbags

Manhattan, NY

$100K - $115K/yr

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Sr. Handbag Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of ...

Steve Madden

Sr. Designer, Handbags

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Sr. Handbag Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of ...

Steve Madden

Associate Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

General Summary The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in ... Participate in design reviews, and product walkthroughs with the Design Director or Senior Vice ...

Steve Madden

Associate Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY

$65K - $70K/yr

General Summary The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in ... Participate in design reviews, and product walkthroughs with the Design Director or Senior Vice ...

Tory Burch

Associate Designer, Handbags

New York, NY

Work under the direction of the Sr. Designer and Design leadership to support the creation of elevated handbag designs; take clear direction and manage tasks to meet established timelines. * Assist ...

Michael Kors

Footwear Designer

New York, NY

Partner alongside the Senior Design Director for entire product design process including market ... Partners with handbag designers to achieve consistency in product. * Meets independently with ...

Jcrew

Associate Designer - Madewell Handbags

New York, NY · Hybrid

$64K - $79K/yr

Role + Purpose The Handbags Associate Designer will support the Sr. Designer in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production. This role requires strong creative sensibility ...

J.Jill

Sr Designer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

The Senior Designer partners closely with the Creative Director, apparel Design Directors ... Technical Design & Execution • Apply advanced knowledge of handbag construction, leather goods ...

J.Jill

Senior Designer, Accessories

Quincy, MA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

The Senior Designer partners closely with the Creative Director, apparel Design Directors ... Technical Design & Execution · Apply advanced knowledge of handbag construction, leather goods ...

J.Jill

Senior Designer, Accessories

Quincy, MA

$107K - $114K/yr

The Senior Designer partners closely with the Creative Director, apparel Design Directors ... Technical Design & Execution Apply advanced knowledge of handbag construction, leather goods ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Sr Designer, Handbags, Outlet

New York, NY · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

The Senior Designer, Handbags, Outlet is responsible for developing ideas and executing product ... leather handbag design experience in a trend-driven, aspirational brand, * Strong portfolio ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Sr Designer, Handbags, Outlet

New York, NY · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

The Senior Designer, Handbags, Outlet is responsible for developing ideas and executing product ... leather handbag design experience in a trend-driven, aspirational brand, * Strong portfolio ...

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Senior Handbag Designer information

See salary details

$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior handbag designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior handbag designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Handbag Designer typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

As a Senior Handbag Designer, you will work closely with cross-functional teams such as merchandising, marketing, sourcing, and production. Collaboration often involves aligning design concepts with market trends, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities. You’ll participate in meetings to review prototypes, make adjustments based on feedback from technical and production teams, and ensure the final product meets both creative vision and commercial goals. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to achieve a successful product launch.

What does a Senior Handbag Designer do?

A Senior Handbag Designer is responsible for creating and overseeing the design of handbags and accessories for a brand or company. They lead the design process from concept to final product, including sketching, selecting materials, and collaborating with production teams. Senior designers also analyze market trends, manage junior designers, and ensure that handbag collections align with the brand's vision and target market. Their expertise combines creativity, technical knowledge, and leadership to deliver innovative and commercially successful products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Handbag Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Handbag Designer, you need expertise in fashion design, a strong portfolio of accessory designs, and often a degree in fashion or industrial design. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as knowledge of materials, prototyping, and production processes, is essential. Creativity, trend awareness, and excellent communication skills set standout designers apart in collaborating with teams and interpreting brand identity. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, marketable products that align with brand vision and consumer demands.

What is the difference between Senior Handbag Designer vs Handbag Pattern Maker?

AspectSenior Handbag DesignerHandbag Pattern Maker
CredentialsDesign degree, portfolio, industry experienceTechnical drawing skills, pattern-making certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, fashion houses, brandsPattern workshops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageConcept creation, trend forecasting, design developmentPattern development, technical specifications, sample creation

While both roles are essential in handbag production, a Senior Handbag Designer focuses on conceptual design and trend forecasting, whereas a Handbag Pattern Maker specializes in translating designs into technical patterns for manufacturing. The roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and credentials.

What cities are hiring for Senior Handbag Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Handbag Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Handbag Designer jobs? The most popular types of Handbag Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Handbag Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Handbag Designer jobs include:
Senior Handbag Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Handbag 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 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Sr. Designer, Handbags

Sr. Designer, Handbags

Steve Madden

Manhattan, NY

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Steve Madden rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Summary
We are a dynamic, trend-driven fashion company targeting the junior market with a focus on speed, creativity, and innovation. We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Sr. Handbag Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of emerging trends, prints, and the fast fashion cycle.

The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.

Key Responsibilities

  • Trend & Market Analysis: Conduct seasonal trend and color research; stay updated on competitor activity, street style, and runway influences relevant to the junior market
  • Design Development: Create compelling and on-trend handbag designs from initial concept through to final production
  • Technical Documentation: Create detailed sketches, CADs, and comprehensive tech packs/spec sheets for development
  • Overseas Communication: Maintain daily communication with overseas factories to manage development samples, clarify technical specifications, and troubleshoot production issues
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the production team for timely execution and the sourcing team to select appropriate materials, trims, and hardware
  • Surface Design: Design and develop prints and surface embellishments
  • Project Management: Manage multiple collections and projects simultaneously under tight, fast-paced deadlines
  • Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Specific Job Skills:

Essential duties include

  • Design Software: Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
  • Sketching: Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
  • Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction, material properties, and technical specifications
  • Print Design: Expertise in print development and placement
  • Organization: High proficiency in multi-tasking and managing complex, fast-paced workflows

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred
  • Minimum of 5-8 years of handbag design experience (junior market a plus)
  • Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
  • Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
  • Understanding of technical specs, construction, and materials
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of print development and placement
  • Proactive, positive attitude, and a fast learner who thrives in a collaborative team

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$115,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.

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