Director, Business Development – North America Licensing
Job Title: Director, Business Development – North America Licensing
Reports To: Global President of Licensing
Location: Miami, FL (100% On-Site / 5 Days per Week)
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 42 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 Overview
The Director, Business Development – North America Licensing is responsible for identifying, negotiating, and securing strategic licensing partnerships globally to expand Perry Ellis International’s portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands (including Perry Ellis, Original Penguin, Cubavera, and others).
Reporting directly to the Global President of Licensing, this executive leadership role requires a high-energy dealmaker with an extensive industry network, exceptional financial acumen, and a proven track record of closing multi-year licensing agreements across diverse product categories, geographies, and distribution channels.
This is a full-time, in-office position located at our corporate headquarters in Miami, FL (5 days per week).
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Dealmaking & Partner Acquisition
Identify and evaluate white-space opportunities across apparel, accessories, footwear, home, and consumer products globally.
Lead end-to-end business development cycles: prospect identification, pitch deck creation, financial modelling, contract negotiation, and final execution.
Negotiate term sheets and definitive license agreements, securing favorable terms including Minimum Guaranteed Royalties (MGRs), royalty rates, marketing commitments, and distribution rights.
2. Portfolio Strategy & Market Expansion
Collaborate with the Global President of Licensing to establish annual growth targets, category strategies, and geographic expansion plans.
Conduct ongoing market analysis, competitive intelligence, and consumer trend research to validate licensing potential in targeted categories.
Identify key international markets and regional distribution partners to drive global brand reach.
3. Cross-Functional Alignment & Onboarding
Partner with Brand Marketing, Legal, Design, and Finance teams to ensure seamless onboarding of new licensees.
Work closely with the Legal department to draft, review, and finalize complex licensing contracts and amendments.
Establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and business launch plans for all newly signed licensees.
4. Financial Modeling & Reporting
Build detailed revenue forecasts, ROI analyses, and deal models for proposed licensing partnerships.
Prepare executive-level presentations, business reviews, and growth projections for senior leadership.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Total net new licensing revenue generated annually.
Value and quantity of executed contract agreements (MGRs and overall contract values).
Time-to-close on targeted white-space categories.
Successful launch and operational handoff of new licensee partners.
Candidate Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field required (MBA preferred).
7+ years of progressive business development and licensing experience within consumer products, apparel, accessories, or brand management.
Demonstrated track record of identifying, negotiating, and closing high-value licensing contracts with reputable global partners.
Technical & Functional Skills
Deep knowledge of licensing economics, contract structures, trademark considerations, and retail landscape nuances.
Superior financial modeling and quantitative skills (expert in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets).
Exceptional presentation and pitch capabilities (expert in Microsoft PowerPoint/Keynote).
Behavioral Competencies & Attributes
Strong Executive Presence: Able to effectively represent Perry Ellis International in high-level negotiations and industry events.
Driven Dealmaker: Highly proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with aggressive growth targets.
Negotiation Savvy: Skilled at finding win-win solutions while uncompromisingly protecting brand equity and company profitability.
Location Expectation: Ability to work full-time on-site in the Miami headquarters (5 days per week).