Leather Accessories Designer

Filled with vibrant neighborhoods, innovative talent, and thoughtful consumers, Nashville has become a strategic hub for the emerging sector of social enterprise. A new generation of businesses are finding creative solutions to extreme poverty, encouraged by both the established business base of the city as well as the value placed on the creative arts in local culture. At ABLE, we are proud to take the lead in our community and around the world in changing the business of fashion. 

Leather Accessories Designer

ABLE is seeking a Leather Accessories Designer for our Nashville based design team. This individual would be responsible for the design and execution of women’s seasonal leather collections and would report directly to the Design Director. ABLE is looking for an individual who is passionate about empowering women in the fashion industry and workplace. 

This designer will champion the growth and innovation of the accessories category with a focus on handbags as a key pillar of ABLE’s brand story. This individual will contribute to the overall direction and long term vision of the leather line, making ABLE a recognizable , “go to” brand in the accessories world. We are seeking someone who can think big picture as well be able to execute the development of the collection day to day.  

A little bit about us, ABLE is a women run company based in Nashville , TN with a mission to empower women and create well paying jobs locally and globally. We work with partners who share this mindset  and together we  will “move fashion forward”. ABLE’s product lines include Leather Handbags + Accessories, Footwear, Jewelry (which is hand made locally), Apparel, and Denim.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Adapts market research, trend intel and brand sales to specific designs seasonally with ABLE customer in mind
  • Design seasonal product lines for DTC and Wholesale businesses.
  • In partnership with Design Director, makes decisions on colors and materials
  • Daily communication with overseas partners in partnership with sourcing team
  • Spec development and management, detailing concept, materials, and specifications based on brand design guidelines
  • Develop and create illustrations and technical drawings for new designs in Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Manage and drive development from initial concept to production adhering to calendar deadlines and key milestones
  • Review prototypes in a timely manner, lead in house fittings and protos,  and update tech packs to reflect modifications directly to factory
  • Collaborate with the sourcing team to design products within specific pricing and margin goals
  • Prepare and present design projects to planning and cross functional teams
  • Source innovative and new materials based on seasonal direction and company goals
  • Understand and utilize sales performance to design for ABLE customer
  • International travel and trade show attendance may be required

Required Skills & Competencies

  • Focus and commitment to designing customer driven product 
  • Collaborative partner and team player
  • Must exhibit strong communication skills and flexibility in fast paced environment
  • Strong organizational, time management skills with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite; Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Ability to sketch, CAD and understand foundational design elements
  • Strong understanding of costing and production process and  lead times
  • High level of organizational skills, detail oriented and thorough follow up a must
  • Proven ability to bring product to market in a timely cost effective manner
  • Creative, innovative problem solver with the ability to anticipate potential issues 
  • Experience with PLM system preferred
  • Knowledge and in depth understanding of footwear construction and technical design skills including fit a plus 

Experience

  • 5-8 years related leather and leather accessories design experience.
  • Experience creating technical drawings, tech-packs, CADS 
  • Footwear Industry experience a plus

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in footwear design, fashion or industrial design in order of preference.

Reports to: Design Director

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to jobs@ableclothing.com

ABLE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

April 25, 2023 — Micayla Aponte
Left Older Post Back to Jobs Newer Post Right