Job Description

About Designer Brands

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

What You’ll Be Doing

Product Development & Sample Coordination

• Help bring products from concept to production by entering pricing details and pre-confirmation specifications
• Review confirmation samples and material swatches to support approval decisions
• Compare confirmation samples to production (lot) samples, identifying and communicating any differences
• Review top-of-production photos to ensure final products align with expectations and flag any concerns

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner closely with design, merchants, pricing teams, and global vendors (including CGA and external agents) to keep product development on track
• Share updates on product status, timelines, and approvals so teams stay aligned
• Capture feedback from buyers and merchants on style changes and communicate updates to design teams
• Support post-market changes by connecting internal teams with global partners

Tracking, Timelines & Follow-Up

• Monitor key deadlines (such as confirmations and approvals) and follow up on anything pending or overdue
• Track product updates, sample status, and approvals across the development lifecycle
• Maintain clear, organized records of marketing requests to ensure timelines are met
• Communicate the status of production samples and shipments to keep teams informed

Meetings & Process Support

• Participate in cross-functional meetings (pricing reviews, projection calls, fit sessions) and summarize key takeaways
• Partner with technical and fit teams to help identify potential risks and communicate next steps
• Coordinate sample shipments and gather feedback from merchants to support product decisions
• Assist with marketing and model pair requests, ensuring timely communication with global partners

What You’ll Need

Core Skills & Abilities

• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Clear, professional communication and follow-up skills
• Comfort collaborating across teams and with external partners

Technical Skills

• Experience using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move boxes up to 30 lbs

Qualifications

Experience

• 1–3 years of relevant experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred

• Experience or education in design, product development, or production

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.