VP, Leathergoods, Design

Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, Kate Spade New York has always been colorful, bold, and optimistic. Today, it is a global lifestyle brand that designs extraordinary things for the everyday, delivering seasonal collections of handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, home décor, and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New York offers a distinctive point of view and celebrates communities of women around the globe who live their perfectly imperfect lifestyles. 

Kate Spade New York is part of the Tapestry portfolio – a global house of brands committed to stretching what’s possible.

A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive. Visit Our People page to learn more about Tapestry's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

      

location: New York

reports to: CEO and Brand President

 

primary purpose:

This is an exciting opportunity to bring fresh, bold and innovative ideas to life in handbags and slg’s for Kate Spade- a brand known for it’s vibrant personality and unique style..  The individual will design and develop a collection reflective of the Kate Spade aesthetic, brand vision and consumer insights, meeting all critical milestones and overall strategic brand goals.

 

the successful individual will leverage their proficiency in design to...

 

• Lead a team of designers to achieve the creative vision for leathergoods collections.
• Collaborate with Chief Merchant to ensure commercial viability of collections.
• Collaborate with VP Design of Concept, Print, Color and Lifestyle Categories to ensure cohesion across categories. 
• Bring the season’s unique narrative to life through inspiration boards that captivate and energize the team, and appeal to a broad customer base.
• Partner with team to refine seasonal concept, materials, hardware, and color palette for collections.
• Create sketches, product prototypes and finished samples together with the design, tech design and product development teams
• Be accountable for the success of the entire product design process including raw material development in partnership with product development, sketching, design, technical design, product review and cost engineering.
• Responsible for upholding design integrity, high quality execution, and timeliness throughout the entire development process from concept through engineering and commercialization. 
• Responsible for leading the team to meet all timeline milestones and deadlines; monitor the work of the team to ensure all deliverables are completed accurately.
• Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising and Product Development on a regular basis. Participate in meetings with cross-functional category partners. 
• Lead, mentor and develop design team, fostering inclusive and supportive environment

 

the accomplished individual will possess...

 

• 15+ years of related design experience across multiple categories, and at least 7+ years of design leadership experience
• Expert knowledge of construction techniques, color ways, raw materials, fabrication, trends, and style
• Strong computer knowledge, including adobe illustrator and strong hand sketching ability
• Portfolio to support criteria needed
• Proven ability to lead and manage a successful design team
• Ability to manage multiple company priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse group at all levels