Technical Designer, Handbags at American Exchange Group in New York, New York

Job description

• The Handbag Technical Designer will be responsible for translating creative concepts into detailed, production-ready technical specifications. Working closely with Designers, Product Development, Merchandising, and overseas factories, this person will ensure handbags meet design, construction, quality, fit, cost, and production requirements.
• The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of handbag construction and materials and is comfortable managing technical details, reviewing samples, creating tech packs, and communicating revisions to vendors.
• We’re looking for someone who is highly detail-oriented, hands-on, and solutions-oriented, with a true understanding of how handbags are constructed and manufactured. The right person will be comfortable working between the creative and production sides of the business and will take ownership of the technical execution of each product.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain detailed handbag tech packs, including construction details, measurements, materials, colorways, hardware, stitching, labels, packaging, and finishing.
• Translate sketches and design concepts into accurate, production-ready technical specifications.
• Develop and maintain spec sheets, BOMs, measurement charts, and construction details.
• Review prototypes, samples, and pre-production samples for construction, workmanship, measurements, and overall quality.
• Identify technical issues and provide clear, detailed corrections to factories and vendors.
• Communicate directly with overseas factories and suppliers regarding development, revisions, and production approvals.
• Conduct sample reviews and provide detailed comments and corrections to ensure products meet specifications.
• Partner closely with Designers to maintain the creative intent while ensuring products are technically feasible and production-ready.
• Work with Product Development and Merchandising teams to balance design, quality, construction, and cost requirements.
• Track sample development and approvals, ensuring projects remain on schedule.
• Research and maintain knowledge of handbag materials, hardware, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Support fit, wear testing, quality reviews, and production troubleshooting as needed.
• Ensure technical documentation is accurate, complete, and up to date throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements

• 4+ years of technical design, product development, or production experience within handbags or accessories.
• Strong knowledge of handbag construction, materials, hardware, sewing techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating and managing technical packages and detailed product specifications.
• Strong understanding of measurements, tolerances, construction details, and quality standards.
• Ability to interpret design sketches and translate creative concepts into technical specifications.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and vendors.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with PLM or product development systems preferred.
• Experience with Illustrator or other design/technical drawing software is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Skills

Preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Half Day Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tax-free commuter benefits
• Exclusive employee merchandise discounts
• Salary: The anticipated base salary is $90k-$120k annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location. This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary. The compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.
• This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. The actual compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, degrees held, market data, and business needs.