Design Assistant - Gear

About the Company

Perry Ellis International, Inc. represents a diverse portfolio of lifestyle apparel brands. The company owns and licenses over 40 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®, and Farah®. The company enhances its brand portfolio by licensing trademarks from third parties, such as Nike® for swimwear and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel.

About the Role

Responsible for the administration and follow-up of the product design process. Assists in the conceptual development of the accessories product line and supports the Sr. Product Line Manager in the product creation process from concept to finished goods. This role provides essential hands-on exposure to the industry flow for individuals entering a creative field.

Responsibilities

• Administer and follow up on the product design process, focusing on Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to assist in the overall design process.
• Drive product relevance by synthesizing global market trends and color concepts into commercially viable, brand-right narratives.
• Create trend and color boards, and provide critical asset and presentation support for key milestone reviews and partner presentations.
• Maintain a meticulous library of accurate Illustrator CADs to champion product integrity.
• Collaborate with the Sr. 3D Apparel Designer to review, audit, and perfect all 3D product renderings for cross-functional presentation.
• Own and deliver clear, highly detailed tech sheets that streamline the development process from initial prototype to final product.
• Communicate all tech sheet updates clearly to Technical Designers and Product Developers.
• Work with the Print & Pattern team on print & graphic development, creating concept artwork, assisting with rework of print layouts and schematics, and maintaining color pitch forms.
• Create and maintain material and trim development forms.
• Review product design concepts and prototypes to ensure they meet all specifications and requirements.
• Compare prototypes back to mechanicals and document any variance.
• Validate prototypes prior to tooling approval.
• Attend fitting sessions and/or wear-test sessions, capturing necessary revisions to sketches/CADs and tech packs as needed.
• Partner with the Associate Merchandiser & Sr. Product Line Manager to communicate updates to cross-functional and vendor partners.
• Attend development meetings to monitor progress and provide detailed recaps to the lead PLM when they cannot attend.
• Update the team on any style changes and upload images to the PLM system.
• Create and maintain all pack & fold instructions.
• Approve lab dips, strike offs, print repeats, etc., and capture relevant notes or revisions needed.
• Maintain a seasonal overview of all print, fabric, material, and trim development.
• Maintain all benefits and details information, ensuring the integrity of the PDP pipeline.
• Translate complex product attributes into accurate, consumer-facing verbiage.
• Proof all new seasonal packaging layouts and ensure final approved mechanicals are uploaded to the PLM system.
• Support the Sr. Product Line Manager with visuals for the seasonal package briefing process.

Requirements

• BA or BS Degree in Product Design.
• One year of design experience (may include summer jobs, internships, etc.).
• Proficient in Google Suite, Adobe Suite, and working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management Software.
• A passion for product.

Skills

• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Experience in 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino) is a plus.
• Foundational knowledge of accessories products, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Understanding of accessories & softgoods construction.
• Foundational knowledge of general design principles and color theory.
• Ability to create basic 2D product sketches (in Illustrator).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan with a discretionary company match, plus company-provided Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and a full schedule of paid Holidays.
• Growth & Support: Tuition Reimbursement program for continuous learning and 24/7 personal support via the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
• Team Culture: Regular Associate Engagement Events, including seasonal celebrations and on-site wellness activities.
• Exclusive Style Perks: Generous Associate Clothing Discounts across all company stores and e-commerce sites.