Senior Designer, Leather Goods
Marc Jacobs International, powered by the creative genius of Marc Jacobs, seeks a Senior Designer, Leather Goods to join the Design team based in its New York City (SoHo) headquarters.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of handbags and small leather goods from initial concept through production.
- Create innovative silhouettes, seasonal concepts, hardware ideas, and product animations aligned with brand direction.
- Develop compelling inspiration boards, trend research, vintage references, and competitive market analysis.
- Translate seasonal direction into commercially relevant products with a strong understanding of color, materials, construction, and functionality.
- Produce detailed sketches, CADs, technical drawings, and comprehensive tech packs using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Review prototypes and development samples, providing detailed comments and design revisions throughout the product development process.
- Collaborate with Product Development and factory partners to resolve construction, engineering, and cost challenges while preserving design intent.
- Support the Design Director in managing the day-to-day organization of the handbag design team.
- Help prioritize workload, balance seasonal projects, and ensure an even distribution of responsibilities across the team.
- Supervise and mentor up to two direct reports, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Foster a collaborative, positive, and highly creative team environment while maintaining accountability for deadlines and deliverables.
- Monitor progress against seasonal calendars and proactively identify workflow challenges or resource needs.
- Manage product development across four seasonal collections simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, creativity, and speed.
- Ensure all design deliverables are completed according to seasonal milestones and critical calendar deadlines.
- Organize seasonal line architecture, product animations, color-ups, presentation materials, and design archives.
- Maintain Illustrator libraries, CAD files, technical packages, seasonal boards, and product documentation with exceptional attention to detail.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
- 7–10 years of handbag or leather goods design experience within a luxury or contemporary fashion brand.
- Proven experience leading seasonal handbag collections from concept through production.
- Experience managing or mentoring junior designers, including up to two direct reports.
- Strong understanding of handbag construction, materials, hardware, leather, and manufacturing processes.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across four seasonal calendars.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly creative, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong presentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Excel.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in an environment where product is continually evolving through seasonal development.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, vacation time, sick and personal time.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401k matching.
- Discounts on travel, entertainment, and more through PerkSpot.
- Employee discounts on Marc Jacobs products and other LVMH brands.
Pay
The compensation for this position ranges from $120,000 to $130,000 annually, dependent upon candidate’s relevant skills and experience.
About Marc Jacobs
For nearly 40 years, Marc Jacobs has been a driving force in fashion with his philosophy: pioneering designs, an irreverent spirit, the everyday and the extraordinary. Today, the brand continues to make its mark as rebellious, unpredictable, and original. Our work is founded on core brand pillars: unexpected, utilitarian, urban, unisex, and unique. NYC in design and spirit, our teams thrive off relentless authenticity, an openness to standing out, and inclusivity for all.