Designer; Handbags

About Us

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. We are focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation and a culture that combines analytical thinking with creativity.

What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point.

This requires collaboration with our technical design and production teams, as well as with external vendors and other stakeholders. The role contributes to a vibrant, customer- and people-centric culture.

Our accessories and handbag business grows rapidly. We are looking for a Handbag Designer who can drive our business with the Jessica Simpson, Scoop and EXPRESS brands.

Strategy & Innovation

• Research and identify trend directions; perform competitive analysis; pull and review fabrics, design concepts, presentation boards for meetings, mock-ups, color-ups, inspirational photos
• Execute development of initial seasonal design category in context of larger assortment and cost structure

Operations & Results

• Design according to style plans, sales needs and emerging trends; ensure timely execution of product development calendar
• Create Illustrator sketches; review specification sheets and line sheets; ensure accuracy of product development logs, line sheets, boards and design archives library; ensure maintenance of designs in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system or shared drives
• Select and review raw materials and trims; ensure maintenance of fabric/trim library
• Approve lab dips with Senior Designer(s) and ensure consistency with color standards and licensor directives, where appropriate; review prints and graphics where appropriate and advise revisions; manage fit process

Customers & Relationships

• Coordinate follow-up with internal and external customers and partners, including technical design, production and vendors; manage interoffice communication
• Build collaborative relationships with vendors and internal customers

Leadership & Teams

• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary
• Attract, develop and retain talent

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented
• Handbag experience required
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative
• Creativity, technical capability and sensibility for merchandising; ability to sketch
• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim; familiarity with print design and manufacturing
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design
• 4-7 years experience in apparel design
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, CAD and Mac computers

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in. Our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands through workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing, the candidate experience will include live interaction (video conference or telephone) with a Recruiter and/or company employee. We will never ask for money or payments from applicants in the recruitment process.

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