Director of Buying

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.

Job Title: Director of Buying

Position Summary:

As the Director of Buying, you will serve as a "working manager" and strategic leader for Perry Ellis International’s retail stores and e-commerce platforms. You are responsible for the total lifecycle of the product assortment—from high-level merchandising strategy and margin planning to the hands-on execution of buys for specific accounts or categories. You will lead a team to ensure a consistent brand image while relentlessly monitoring business metrics to deliver and exceed sales and inventory turn goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Assortment Leadership: Lead the team in executing merchandising strategies and seasonal line plans to build profitable assortments that achieve internal margin and revenue goals.
• Hands-on Account Management: Act as a "working manager" by directly managing the buying process for assigned categories, including recommending product assortments by delivery date and ensuring buys are placed on time.
• Financial & Performance Oversight: Develop and oversee high-level Daily, Weekly, and Monthly reporting for key metrics; monitor assortments to maintain consistent brand image while delivering on turn and revenue targets.
• Market Intelligence & Strategy: Deeply understand the PEI target consumer; lead the team in competitive analysis and retail market research to enhance brand strategies and identify growth opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Partner with Planning, Marketing, Design, and Store teams to ensure "one brand, one vision" at the point of sale, providing the visual tools (line lists and merchandising books) necessary for success.
• Operational Excellence: Coordinate and lead "buy" meetings, setting the master calendar for the buying team to ensure all milestones from development to delivery are met.
• Sales & Staff Support: Act as the primary resource for sales staff, providing comprehensive product information and merchandising strategies to maximize retail performance.

Qualifications:

• Education: 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Experience: 7 years of buying experience in a retail or wholesale environment, with proven success in a leadership role. Experience in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce is essential.
• Working Manager Capability: Proven ability to manage a team while maintaining personal responsibility for a significant portion of the business deliverables.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level mastery of Microsoft Excel, Word, and retail math.
• Industry Domain: Extensive knowledge of the product development process, brand management, and the competitive apparel landscape.
• Financial Mastery: Proven track record of managing Open-to-Buy (OTB), margin plans, and complex inventory turns.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic "Working" Leader: The ability to pivot seamlessly between high-level strategy and granular, detail-oriented data entry and analysis.
• Exceptional Communication: Clear and persuasive communication style, capable of presenting to C-suite executives and mentoring junior staff.
• Analytical Visionary: Can interpret complex sales data to forecast trends and translate them into commercially successful, profitable assortments.
• Highly Organized: Superior time-management skills necessary to balance team management with individual account responsibilities.
• Results-Driven & Proactive: A self-starter with a high sense of urgency and a "can-do" attitude toward solving financial or merchandise issues.

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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