Associate Designer

General Summary

The Associate Designer is responsible for assisting with CAD work for the team. This position supports the Wholesale Apparel business. We are seeking a highly technical Associate Designer to support a fast‑paced private‑label apparel brand selling to Walmart. This role is ideal for a designer who is exceptionally strong in CAD execution, specs, and measurement accuracy, and who operates very close to the technical design function.

This position requires a designer who is process‑driven, detail‑obsessed, and precise, with the ability to translate design intent into clean, accurate, production‑ready documentation in a high‑volume retail environment. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on‑site.

• CADs & Technical Design Execution
• Create and maintain highly accurate CADs and technical flats in Adobe Illustrator
• Ensure all CADs reflect correct proportions, construction, stitch detail, artwork placement, and trim callouts
• Execute CAD revisions quickly and precisely based on Walmart, merchant, technical, and factory feedback
• Maintain consistency across CADs, line sheets, and tech packs
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

• Specifications & Measurement Accuracy
• Build and maintain detailed tech packs with clear specs, graded measurements, construction notes, and BOMs
• Own measurement accuracy across all styles, sizes, and categories
• Partner closely with Technical Design to review specs, resolve discrepancies, and align on fit intent
• Review samples against specs and clearly flag measurement, construction, or execution issues
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Communicate directly with overseas factories regarding CAD clarifications, spec corrections, and construction details
• Support line reviews, adoption updates, and seasonal presentations
• Manage a high volume of styles with strong organization and follow‑through

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 3-6+ years of experience in private label or mass apparel
• Demonstrated strength in CAD development, specs, and measurement accuracy
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (technical flats and spec‑driven CADs)
• Strong understanding of Walmart standards, timelines, and retail expectations
• Proven ability to execute accurately to price point
• Extremely detail‑oriented, organized, and process‑focused
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment

• A designer who is almost tech‑design adjacent in how they work
• Someone who takes pride in perfect CADs, clean specs, and correct measurements
• Analytical, precise, and solutions‑oriented

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $60,000-$65,000. 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.