General Summary

The Associate Designer is responsible for creating the seasonal collection while retaining the brands unique spirit. This position supports the Wholesale Apparel business.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with design direction for one or more apparel categories (e.g. dresses, tops, outerwear, partywear)
• Create sketches, flats, tech packs, and detailed spec sheets
• Oversee sample development: fit reviews, revisions, approvals
• Collaborate with Senior Designer to balance creative vision with sales goals and margin targets
• Identify fabrics, trims, prints, embellishments, and source vendors
• Work with technical/garment engineering teams to ensure fit, construction, and quality standards
• Work with production and sourcing teams on costing, lead times, and vendor partnerships
• Review pre-production and production samples, provide feedback and final approvals
• Occasionally assist with marketing, lookbooks, and seasonal presentations
• 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

• Work alongside Senior designer with trend forecasting, fabric/trims sourcing, and execution in apparel
• An understanding of garment construction, fit, sewing techniques, and quality control
• Experience working cross-functionally with merchandising, technical design, and production

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4-5 years’ experience designing women’s apparel (or relevant category)
• Strong hand sketching ability + proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop (or equivalent)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with multiple lines/projects under tight deadlines
• A portfolio showcasing design work (collections, sketches, flats, executed garments)
• Passion for bold, expressive, statement design (aligned with Betsey Johnson aesthetic)
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Experience in partywear, cocktails, evening wear, embellished looks

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $60k-$65k. 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.