Designer, Women's Handbags + Small Leather Goods

***Please submit application with link to online portfolio or an attachment with work samples***

The Designer, Women's Handbags + Small Leather Goods, supports seasonal concept and design development for commercially relevant Cole Haan collections, working under the guidance of the Design Director and in partnership with the Senior Designer.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Concept and Design: Contribute original design ideas in partnership with the Senior Designer, following seasonal direction from the Design Director, and support research and presentation development for seasonal handbag and small leather goods collections.
• Sketching and CAD: Create hand-drawn sketches, digital sketches, and CAD presentations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with accuracy and timely execution.
• Technical Packages: Develop and maintain tech packs for assigned styles, and support team updates throughout the sample development process.
• Sample Review: Participate in development sample reviews, documenting and executing comments to support the Design team.
• Color CAD and Material Detailing: Partner with the Design Director and Senior Designer on color CAD execution for seasonal line-plan reviews and support in the preparation of material-detailing specification specs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support day-to-day Design team’s collaboration with Merchandising, and Product Development.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Experience: 3 + years of focused design experience in handbags, small leather goods, or related accessories.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to create accurate, factory-ready technical packages within established timelines.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.
• Technical Knowledge: Clear understanding of handbag construction, sewing techniques, leather, textiles, and metal hardware.
• Market Awareness: Understanding of competitor products, price positioning, materials, and current market trends.
• Communication Skills: Effective Verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Design, Merchandising, and Product Development.
• Professional Skills: Effective time-management skills with the ability to support multiple seasons while remaining collaborative, responsive to feedback, and detail-oriented.
• Portfolio: Professional portfolio demonstrating hand sketches, vector line art, handbags, small leather goods, hardware concepts, final technical packages, and photos of finished produced bags.

Base Salary/Hourly Range: From $90,000 to $120,000 annually*

Bonus Eligibility: Yes, eligible for annual target bonus based on company and individual performance

Benefits Offered: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Care, Health Savings Accounts, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Parental Leave, Holidays and Cole Haan Discounts

*Rate of pay dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience

This position is not available to be performed in Colorado.