Activewear Designer

About the Company

Steve Madden is a global fashion company known for its innovative, trend‑driven footwear, accessories, and apparel. Founded in 1990 in Queens, New York, the company has grown into a worldwide fashion organization with brands such as Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Carvela, Blondo, and ATM. It operates in more than 80 countries across wholesale, retail, e‑commerce, licensing, and private‑label businesses, driven by creativity, individuality, and a fast‑paced entrepreneurial spirit.

About the Role

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and highly organized Activewear Designer to join our design team. This hands‑on position requires managing multiple projects, supporting day‑to‑day design‑room needs, and taking designs from concept through complete costing tech packs. The role reports to the Design Manager of Activewear and is based in our NYC office (4 days onsite, 1 day remote).

Responsibilities

• Create complete costing tech packs independently, including garment sketches, construction details, measurements/specs, fabric and trim information, colorways, artwork placements, and other details for accurate factory costing.
• Create and update CADs and colorways in Adobe Illustrator.
• Produce accurate flat sketches/technical garment sketches in Adobe Illustrator.
• Research current activewear, fashion, color, graphic, and print trends to generate new ideas and inspiration.
• Conduct inspiration research for new graphics and prints and help develop concepts appropriate for the customer.
• Assist with sample organization and daily design‑room tasks, including logging, tracking, and organizing incoming samples.
• Review work carefully for accuracy and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Complete assignments accurately and within established deadlines.
• Collaborate closely with design, sales, production, and merchandising teams throughout the development process.
• Develop and update graphics and prints.
• Review samples and communicate design corrections.
• Maintain accurate and organized design files and samples.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience in activewear, apparel, or fashion design.
• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in activewear or apparel design preferred.
• Knowledge of knits and wovens.
• Strong technical flat‑sketching and CAD skills.
• Must have experience creating complete costing tech packs.
• Good understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims, and apparel development.

Skills

• Strong eye for color, graphics, prints, proportion, and current fashion trends.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through on projects.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Team‑oriented attitude with willingness to assist on both creative projects and everyday design‑room responsibilities.

Pay

The expected base salary ranges from $80,000 to $85,000, based on skill set, experience, education, and organizational structure.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time‑off policy
• Career advancement opportunities within a dynamic team

Schedule

Work schedule is four days onsite and one day remote per week, based in the NYC office.