Senior Design Director

Company Overview

Perry Ellis International, Inc. represents a diverse portfolio of lifestyle apparel brands. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries owns and licenses nationally and with a brand portfolio of over 40 Brands domestically and internationally recognized brands including: Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist® and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike®  for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel.

SUMMARY: 

Sr. Design Director will oversee all the design functions for Perry Ellis Collection under the leadership of the Creative Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Manage and direct design process for a given season, by building strong, balanced assortments that include core, “key items” and lifestyle items as it pertains to multiple product categories.

• Works closely with the Creative Director to create and distribute seasonal Color, Concept and Print/Pattern direction.
• Responsible for directing and executing the entire product design process to include market research, consumer insights, concept, color and print alignment, designing, sketching, specing and fit.
• Create designs that support merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and overall creative direction.
• Continuous development of fabrics, prints and trims every season, working together with the sourcing department, to achieve directed product integrity requirements.
• Accountable for process improvement, while supporting business strategies and  seeking opportunities to positively affect division/company.
• Fully responsible for ensuring that product is consistent with market trends as well as business strategy; interprets international/domestic concepts and trends as it relates to market demands, brand image and business strategy.
• Ensure product design package is complete, accurate and handed off to product development team, tech department and vendors on time for prototypes and salesmen samples.
• Train and develop a design team to meet deadlines and achieve results. Provide timely and meaningful performance feedback through the ongoing year end review process. Ensures participation in all appropriate training programs.
• Some domestic travel for design inspiration as well as for sales presentations with account buyers and trade shows.
• Some international travel for design development, fabric sourcing, and in-line garment approvals.
• Work with Designers, Merchandisers and Technical Designers to approve final fit samples
• Manage/Direct Design Team
• Partner with in house Marketing teams to ensure key understanding and execution of on-garment branding, and communication of brand themes and key product attributes for purposes of showroom presentation, in store displays and social media. 

 SKILLS

• Strong working knowledge of apparel construction and technologies, materials & trims to create innovative designs.
• Extensive knowledge of fabrics, printing techniques, & trim details.
• Ability to inspire a team and lead the creative design process.
• Proven leadership/management skills.
• Strong listening and negotiation skills and ability to interpret product feedback.
• Ability to interact comfortably with all levels of the organization.
• Proven time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to set a creative tone and to inspire ideas/new concepts; ability to conceptually visualize and build a line.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Fashion Design Degree
• 8-10 years of design experience
• 3+ years of managerial experience
• Proficient in Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Working knowledge of Fabric Design software, 3D rendering software, online collaboration tools, and AI a plus.

Salary offered will be commensurate with experience. For this New York based position, the expected base salary is $175,000 - $190,000. 

Legal Disclaimer:

Perry Ellis International is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their individual background and characteristics. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, and termination. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities.

We encourage you to read and understand our Privacy Policy here.