Associate Designer – Handbags + SLG

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Golden Touch is seeking an Associate Designer to join our dynamic handbag and soft leather goods team. This role is ideal for a creative and detail-oriented designer with a strong foundation in technical design and product development. The Associate Designer will play a key role in executing seasonal collections from concept through production, partnering closely with design leadership and cross-functional teams. This individual will contribute to trend research, design development, and technical execution, ensuring all products meet aesthetic, functional, and quality standards. The ideal candidate has a passion for handbags and accessories, a strong eye for design, and the ability to balance creativity with technical precision in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of handbag and soft goods collections from concept through production
• Create and update CADs, technical sketches, and detailed design specifications for internal and external use
• Assist in developing seasonal concepts, color palettes, and material direction
• Conduct trend research, competitive analysis, and market shopping to inform product development
• Prepare materials for presentations, line reviews, and retail meetings
• Develop and maintain comprehensive tech packs, ensuring accuracy in construction, materials, and specifications
• Partner with product development and factories to ensure designs are executed accurately and efficiently
• Troubleshoot design and production issues while maintaining design integrity
• Track sample development from initial prototype through final approval, ensuring accuracy and timely execution
• Review samples for construction, quality, and adherence to design intent, flagging any discrepancies
• Collaborate with design, merchandising, production, and overseas teams throughout the product lifecycle
• Communicate updates, revisions, and approvals clearly across cross-functional partners
• Maintain accurate product information and updates within PLM systems
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field
• 2–4 years of experience in handbag or accessories design, technical design, or product development
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel
• Solid understanding of handbag construction, materials, and technical design processes
• Experience with PLM systems preferred
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent communication skills across cross-functional teams
• Passion for handbags and accessories, with a strong eye for design and trend awareness
  
  

Hybrid Work Schedule

4 days a week in the office, Friday work from home

New York Pay Rate $60,000.00 - $75,000.00

We strive to hire and nurture amazing talent. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, specialized skills, and internal alignment.

Company Overview

Golden Touch is a family owned and operated wholesale apparel manufacturer with a mission to deliver trend focused products for nearly 50 years. We produce private label brands for large mass market retailers across the globe specializing in children’s, junior, missy and women’s apparel.

Diversity Vision Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and conduct business. We are an equal employment opportunity for minorities, females, protected veterans, and the disabled.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination based on their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.