Design Associate, Footwear

General Summary

The Design Associate II is responsible for assisting the Design Team in the creation of product for both the Steve Madden Women’s Retail and Wholesale Divisions. This position supports the Wholesale and Retail business.

The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role.  This position is based in our LIC office and requires working on-site five days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Design Team in Trend Forecasting by organizing Digital Trend Files and updating Physical Trend Boards with color swatches, leather & material swatches and ornamentation
• Follow up with overseas teams on the development of prototypes, market samples and as well as aforementioned components
• Assist Design Team in sketching, CAD execution and technical ornamentation creation using ADOBE Creative Suite and/or RHINO and GRASSHOPER
• General and basic operations including opening packages and keeping design room neat and organized to manage flow of development
• 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

• Ability to perform complex verbal and written communications face-to-face and in group settings
• Majority of decisions are made utilizing established policies and procedures, and concern self and/or work responsibilities only
• Work responsibilities occasionally concern confidential and/or sensitive information requiring the use of discretion
• Job duties are somewhat varied, occasionally requiring conceptualizing, planning and implementing
• Assertive self-starter with strong decision-making ability
• Ability to work in a multi-task, high pressure environment
• Ability to travel as required
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and time management skills essential
• Strong follow-up and completion skills
• Personable and excellent customer service skills are essential
• Under limited supervision, anticipates and solves problems for self and other lower-level employees
• Provides basic work direction and support to small groups of usually skilled and semi-skilled employees

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years in related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Office, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge of RHINO or GRASSHOPER is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Strong and clear communication skills required with internal teams as well as overseas partners
• Excellent time management skills required with the ability to multi-task and to expedite concepts rapidly while remaining detail oriented in a fast-paced environment
• Strong follow up and completion skills required
• Flexibility to travel domestically and Internationally

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $70K-$75K. 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.