Accessories Merchandise Manager

Perry Ellis International, Inc. represents a diverse portfolio of lifestyle apparel brands. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries owns and licenses nationally 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®, Jantzen® and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® and Jag® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel.

SUMMARY

The Accessories  Merchandise Manager is responsible for creating, developing and executing balanced assortments for all accessories collections at Perry Ellis International.

• Accountable for growing business, process improvement, innovative product development  and seeking opportunities to positively affect the company.
• Directs the creative team on product and visual presentation needs for sales team/customer meetings.  Pulls together all samples and collateral for customer meetings.
• Responsible for market research to include: continuously study the competitive landscape and key client retailers (instore and online). Document and keep detailed research on current customers and competitors.
• Build strong, balanced assortments that include core and fashion items as it pertains to multiple product categories that include headwear, towels, belts, training aids, and other gift giving items.
• Manage communication  with overseas offices regarding all aspects of product development that support line plans, assortment strategies, price points and overall creative direction within the time and action calendar
•  Responsible for coordinating the development and execution of product lines while  achieving gross margin targets. Work with sourcing on product pricing while re-engineering products as necessary to meet goals.
• Partners with the merchandising team to define seasonal time frames and ensure that creative goals and business goals are in alignment. 
• Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates direct reports. Encourages proper growth within the company and development of subordinates.
• Responsible for product presentations to the Sales team, Merchandising and Customers.
• Creates and manages seasonal sku plans, as well as product changes post market
• Work with graphics team to create new packaging concepts
• Ensure product design packages  are complete, accurate and handed off to product development team, tech department and vendors on time for prototypes and salesmen samples.
• Responsible for approval of sales samples to ensure garment is production-ready. 
• Domestic and International travel for product development and design inspiration,  as well as for sales presentations with accounts buyers and trade shows.

SKILLS

• Bachelor degree (B.A) from a college or university
• 8+ years of design/product development or merchandising experience, preferable in headwear and/or accessories
• Knowledge of headwear and/or accessories product development 
• Familiar with the headwear/accessories business landscape
• High level of creativity with a passion for product
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator a plus
• Strong sense of color and taste level
• Time management and organizational skills, ability to multitask 
• Ability to present in front of an audience