Senior Design Director

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.