Senior Designer in Hermosa Beach, California at Hammitt Inc

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hammitt designs luxury handbags and accessories crafted from premium materials, finished with jewelry-grade hardware and rooted in thoughtful, functional design. We are dedicated to delivering a seamless customer experience across a curated mix of eCommerce, retail, and wholesale channels. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking passionate, driven individuals to join our team and be part of our story.

The Senior Designer will support the Design Director in shaping the future of Hammitt’s product assortment by developing innovative, commercially viable handbags and accessories from concept through production. This role combines elevated creative vision with deep technical expertise in handbag construction, materials, hardware, costing, and overseas development. The Senior Designer will lead key aspects of the design process, collaborate across Design, Production, Merchandising, Marketing, and Sales, and provide guidance to junior team members.

Job Summary

• Develop seasonal handbags, accessories, hardware, prints, palettes, and material stories from concept through final sample.
• Create accurate CADs, sketches, tech packs, bills of materials, and construction specifications.
• Research and present relevant trends, materials, colors, and product innovations.
• Partner with Merchandising and Production to create compelling, cost-conscious products aligned with price and margin.
• Collaborate with factories and vendors to resolve construction, material, hardware, costing, and production challenges.
• Lead prototype, sample, material, treatment, and line reviews while documenting and communicating changes.
• Review samples for proportion, functionality, quality, cost, and alignment with design intent.
• Source and develop new materials, hardware, treatments, and production techniques.
• Use KPI’s for sales performance, customer insights, and market trends to inform design decisions.
• Support collaborations, special projects, and the development of new product categories.
• Maintain organized design files, material libraries, product records, and development systems within WFX.
• Mentor junior team members and share technical and market expertise.
• Travel domestically and internationally for research, sourcing, and product development as needed.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Accessories Design, or a related discipline preferred; or equivalent exp.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in women’s handbag or accessories design from concept through final production, including experience operating at a senior level within the contemporary, premium, or luxury market.
• 8+ years of experience working with international factories/vendors on product development, sourcing, and production.
• Expert in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, including CAD creation, technical illustration, rendering, and tech packs.
• Familiarity with PLM systems, WGSN, and trend forecasting resources.
• Strong sketching, visual presentation, and digital presentation skills with an eye for proportion, detail, color, and material.
• Deep understanding of handbag construction, pattern-making, illustration, functionality, leather, textiles, hardware, trims, treatments, costing and manufacturing processes.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with clear communication, documentation, and time-management skills.
• A self-starter mindset with curiosity and a drive to improve creative processes and bring fresh ideas forward.
• Collaborative team player who takes initiative, prioritizes, and thrives in a dynamic, quickly-changing environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Reporting to the Design Director, the Senior Designer will bring fresh perspective, strong product instincts, and seasoned market knowledge to Hammitt’s growing assortment. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who can turn trends, customer insights, and creative ideas into distinctive products that feel both relevant and unmistakably Hammitt. We offer a salary range of $110,000–$150,000, bonus eligibility, comprehensive benefits, 401K matching, and unlimited discretionary paid time off. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Hammitt’s Hermosa Beach design office. - Join the Mission: Shape the Future of Hammitt’s Product Assortment