Job Description
General Summary
The Sr. Dress Designer is responsible for leading design in assigned categories, translating creative direction into innovative, trend-right, and commercially viable products through in-depth market research, concept development, and advanced sketching. 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with VP of Design and Associate Design Director to bring the collection from concept to reality, including but not limited to conceptual presentations, sketch review, design research, fabric & trim development, spec and fit processes
- Contribute to seasonal concept research as well as competitive market research. Needs to be on the pulse for identifying trends and key items for a quick turnaround
- Sketch into design concepts synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales
- Drive and oversee your own groups independently, ensuring details are communicated clearly and effectively to cross-functional partners and all deadlines are met
- Develop strong partnerships with cross-functional team members in Design, Production, Tech Design, and Print. Communication is key!
- Work independently with technical design team to ensure proper fit and proportions are met and follow-up with oversea factories on trim approvals
- Clearly communicate silhouettes and detailed garment construction through sketches, garment drapes, and reference material, with feedback and updates as needed
- Participate in all development and production fittings. Confident in leading fittings when needed
- Create and update all TP’s from development through to production
- Help with seasonal line sheet creation
- Follow-through and problem-solving development issues by style
- Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric information, colorways, and development notes
- Pro-actively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to make sure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages
- Excellent follow-up on development styles and any special projects requested
- Manage calendar and time in order to meet all milestone 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
- Knowledge identifying trends and key items for a quick turnaround
- Sketch into design concepts synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales
- Participate in all development and production fittings
- Confident in leading fittings when needed
- Follow-through and problem-solving of development issues by style
- Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric information, colorways, and development notes
- Pro-actively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to make sure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages
- Create and update all TP’s from development through to production
- Manage calendar and time in order to meet all milestone deadlines
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 4-year design school and 7+ years working experience in fashion industry focusing on dresses required
- Proficiency in fashion illustration/CAD work on Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite is required
- PML knowledge is a plus
- The position requires an excellent taste level, strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, adaptability to a fast-paced environment, and the flexibility to work autonomously and in collaboration with members of the design, tech design, production team, fabric and product development teams.
- The ideal candidate is highly creative and hardworking, knowledgeable of fabrics, trims, garment sewing, and construction.
- Candidates should be able to conduct their own fittings independently and be fluent in construction when discussing with pattern makers.
- Must possess a brand appropriate design aesthetic
- Depth knowledge in dress construction and design (daytime and occasion dresses)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills as well as organizational skills and time management
- Knowledge of denim and prom dresses is a plus
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $110,000-$120,000. 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.