Activewear Designer

Who We Are:

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 from a footwear startup into a globally recognized fashion organization with a portfolio of leading brands, including Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Carvela, Blondo, and ATM.

With a presence in more than 80 countries, Steve Madden operates across wholesale, retail, e-commerce, licensing, and private label businesses. The company is driven by creativity, individuality, and a fast-paced entrepreneurial spirit, bringing fashion-forward products to consumers around the world.

General Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Activewear Designer to join our design team. This is a hands-on position for someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects, and supporting the day-to-day needs of the design team.

The ideal candidate has strong technical design skills, is proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and excel, and can take a design from concept through a complete costing tech pack. Reporting to the Design Manager of Activewear this position is based 4 days onsite, 1 day from home, in our NYC office.

Major Responsibilities:

• Create complete costing tech packs independently, including garment sketches, construction details, measurements/specs, fabric and trim information, colorways, artwork placements, and other necessary details for accurate factory costing. This is a must-have skill.
• Create and update CADs and colorways in Adobe Illustrator.
• Create accurate flat sketches/technical garment sketches in Adobe Illustrator.
• Research current activewear, fashion, color, graphic, and print trends to identify 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 in, 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.
• Work closely with the design, sales, production, and merchandising teams throughout the development process.
• Create complete costing tech packs independently.
• Create technical flat sketches, CADs, and colorways in Adobe Illustrator.
• Develop and update graphics and prints.
• Research current activewear, fashion, color, graphic, and print trends.
• Review samples and communicate design corrections.
• Maintain accurate and organized design files and samples.

Skills, Education, Licenses, Certificates, Registrations and/or Experience:

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

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $80,000-$85,000. 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.