Designer, Menswear

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.

Position Summary:

As the Designer for Southern Proper, you will be responsible for the complete creative process, from initial concept to final product execution. Reporting to the Design Director, you will be a key player in shaping the brand's identity, developing original designs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring collections to life.

Southern Proper leans into a Classic Traditional aesthetic—think heritage prep and polished casual rather than high-performance athletic wear. You will drive the design of our menswear collections, overseeing everything from trend research and color palette selection to providing fit comments and approving final samples. This role requires a highly creative designer who understands the nuance of licensed brands and can produce innovative, cohesive collections that align with our "classic" brand identity and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Direction: Lead the design process from start to finish, including trend research, color palette selection, and mood board creation. You'll be responsible for generating Illustrator sketches and CAD designs that reflect a traditional, "lifestyle" aesthetic.
• Product Strategy: Partner with senior leadership to provide clear creative direction for fabric and print development. Ensure all products align with business goals, meet SKU requirements, and tell a strong merchandising story rooted in classic Americana.
• Collaboration & Presentation: Present new trends and collections to internal and external stakeholders. You will work closely with the merchandising team to define seasonal timelines and ensure creative and business goals are in sync.
• Product Execution: Oversee the approval of sales samples and provide fit comments to ensure each garment is production-ready. You will be responsible for staying on track with the time and action calendar to meet all deadlines.
• Mentorship: Help guide and mentor junior designers and interns, fostering a collaborative and creative team environment.

Qualifications:

• Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of professional design experience.
• Technical Expertise: Strong experience in Woven garment design is required (over knit-heavy backgrounds).
• Brand Background: Experience working with licensed brands is highly preferred
• Menswear: Proven track record in Menswear is a must.
• Software Skills: Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator/Photoshop) is a requirement.
• Industry Knowledge: A background with heritage or classic traditional brands is strongly preferred. While we are in the golf space, this role focuses on the "less golfy," lifestyle side of the brand.
• Garment Construction: A solid understanding of garment construction, specifically regarding wovens, is essential.

Personal Attributes:

• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and meeting tight deadlines.
• Creativity: A highly creative individual with a passion for traditional style and a portfolio showcasing a cohesive, polished body of work.
• Communication: Strong presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate a creative vision to diverse audiences.

What’s In It For You?

• Comprehensive Health: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision plans designed to keep you and your family healthy and thriving.
• Financial Security: Secure your future with our 401(k) retirement plan (including a discretionary company match) plus company-provided Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: Take the time you need to recharge with generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and a full schedule of paid Holidays.
• Growth & Support: We invest in your potential through our Tuition Reimbursement program for continuous learning and provide 24/7 personal support via our Member Assistance Program (MAP).
• Team Culture: Join a community that celebrates your hard work with regular Associate Engagement Events, ranging from seasonal celebrations to on-site wellness activities.
• Exclusive Style Perks: Look your best for less with generous Associate Clothing Discounts across all our company stores and e-commerce sites.

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.

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