Experienced Handbag Designer
Full-time | Office-based | Clerkenwell, London | Salary dependent on experience
We are looking for an experienced Handbag Designer to join our team, designing and developing commercial handbag collections for major UK and European high-street retailers.
Based in our Clerkenwell, London office, this is a fast-paced, hands-on and client-facing role, working directly with retail buyers and factories across China and Asia. You will be involved throughout the design and development process, from trend research and buyer briefs through to CAD development, sampling and final product.
The role involves regular international travel, including client meetings in Europe and travel to China and the Far East for sourcing and product development.
The Role
- Research key handbag, accessories, colour and material trends
- Design commercial, trend-led ranges tailored to individual retailers
- Work directly with buyers, interpreting briefs and responding quickly to feedback
- Create strong, accurate CADs and range presentations
- Present new ranges and product ideas directly to buyers
- Develop new shapes, constructions, materials, hardware and detailing
- Work closely with factories and development teams across China and Asia
- Produce clear specifications and review samples throughout development
- Design with target prices, margins and manufacturing capabilities in mind
- Manage multiple customer accounts and developments simultaneously
- Monitor competitor activity and emerging market trends
- Travel within Europe and to the Far East for client meetings, sourcing and product development
About You
We are looking for an experienced handbag designer, ideally with a background working for a supplier or high-street retailer.
You will have:
- Proven experience designing handbags for the high-street market
- Excellent Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills
- Fast, confident and accurate CAD skills
- Strong trend, colour and commercial awareness
- A good technical understanding of handbag construction, materials and manufacturing
- Experience working directly with overseas factories, ideally in China or Asia
- Experience working with retail buyers and presenting ranges
- The ability to design commercially to target prices
- A confident, personable and collaborative approach
- Excellent organisation and the ability to manage multiple projects
- Flexibility and willingness to travel internationally
- Knowledge of 3D design tools and experience using AI within the design process would be highly desirable
- Experience designing travel and performance bags would also be welcomed
We are looking for someone who is commercial, creative and genuinely passionate about handbags, with a strong instinct for what will work for different retailers and their customers.
This is a full-time, office-based position in Clerkenwell, London. Salary is dependent on experience.
- Please apply with your CV and portfolio, including examples of handbag CADs and commercially produced designs.
