Associate Designer
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
- Trend & Concept Development
- Gather inspiration through market research, trend analysis, and visual sourcing (tearsheets, screenshots, etc.)
- Identify seasonal fashion directions, including fabrics, techniques, trims, and silhouettes
- Create 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
Requirements
- 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
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Design, or a related field (footwear, fashion, or industrial design)
Skills
- 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
Benefits
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.