Sr. Designer, Betsey Johnson Apparel

Sr. Designer

The Sr. Designer is responsible for leading the creative direction of the seasonal collections. 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 five days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design direction for one or more apparel categories
• Conceptualize seasonal themes, mood boards, color stories, silhouette direction
• Create sketches, flats, tech packs, and detailed spec sheets
• Oversee sample development: fit reviews, revisions, approvals
• Collaborate with merchandising to balance creative vision with sales goals and margin targets
• Identify fabrics, trims, prints, embellishments, and source vendors
• Work with technical/garment engineering teams to ensure fit, construction, and quality standards
• Attend showrooms, trend shows, and trade fairs to gather inspiration and monitor market
• Mentor junior designers and review their work
• Work with production and sourcing teams on costing, lead times, and vendor partnerships
• Review pre-production and production samples, provide feedback and final approvals
• Occasionally assist with marketing, lookbooks, and seasonal presentations
• 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

• Experience with trend forecasting, fabric/trims sourcing, and execution in apparel
• Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, sewing techniques, and quality control
• Experience working cross-functionally with merchandising, technical design, and production
• Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate design rationale
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple lines/projects under tight deadlines
• Passion for bold, expressive, statement design (aligned with Betsey Johnson aesthetic)
• Experience in partywear, cocktails, evening wear, embellished looks
• Experience with digital print and surface design
• Familiarity with sourcing international vendors and managing global supply chains
• Experience mentoring or leading a small design team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design or related field experience
• Minimum of 6+ years' experience designing women's apparel (or relevant category)
• Strong hand sketching ability
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop
• A portfolio showcasing design work (collections, sketches, flats, executed garments)
• Fluency in CAD or 3D garment visualization tools
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $110k-$115k. 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.