Designer, Womens Handbags & Accessories

Location: New York, NY, United States; Hybrid

This position will be responsible for designing and developing trend-right, elevated product for the Tumi customer from concept to commercialization. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing all designs with designers, researching competitive market, developing seasonal design concepts under guidance of Design Director and Head of Women’s design, assisting in design presentation, creating technical drawings, as well as maintaining product specifications from start to production for new collections as well existing collections. This is a hybrid role; we work on site 4 days and remotely 1 day weekly.

Design & Concept Development

• Research global and competitive markets, consumer insights, materials, silhouettes, and emerging trends to inform seasonal design direction.
• Develop and execute compelling design concepts aligned with brand strategy and customer needs.
• Create concept boards, inspiration decks, and mood boards to communicate seasonal narratives, color stories, materials, and key design ideas.
• Generate hand sketches, CAD drawings, and design iterations for handbags, small leather goods, and accessories.

Technical Design & Development

• Create and maintain detailed technical drawings, specifications, and design packages from concept through production.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of specifications, measurements, construction details, and materials throughout the development process.
• Manage and communicate all specification changes, updating technical drawings and documentation as needed.
• Review and approve confirmation and pre-production samples in partnership with Product Development and Design, ensuring alignment with design intent, quality standards, and cost targets.

Presentation & Communication

• Create and maintain professional presentation materials in Power Point to support internal design reviews and cross-functional meetings.
• Present design concepts, prototypes, and samples to Design leadership and cross-functional partners, clearly articulating design intent, functionality, and seasonal vision.
• Partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production to support successful product execution.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and collaboratively across teams to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.

Commercialization & Production Support

• Follow product through the commercialization process, supporting timelines and ensuring design integrity through final production.
• Track and manage changes throughout development, communicating updates to all relevant partners.
• Support ongoing updates and refinements to existing collections as needed.

About Us

Who we are: 

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with approximately 2,000 points of sale.

About the Organization