This job reports to the Executive Design Head and is preferably based in Toronto with remote possibilities.
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction and mentorship of the Executive Design Head, the lead designer will create the Seasonal Collections, Capsules, and Statement Apparel styles from conception to production for the North American, distributor of a leading performance athletic wear brand. The Lead Designer is responsible for achieving the highest standards in Apparel Innovation, Creative Design, Contemporary Functionality, Fits, Finishes, Trims, Details, Quality and Commerciality.
TRAVEL: Approximately six weeks per year.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Work closely with the Head of Design in executing the design of seasonal international apparel product lines, through tech pack and development.
- Create and execute apparel ranges that fit the brand strategies and align with the seasonal creative direction set by the Head of Design, and meet the needed cost and margin requirements.
- Organize the seasonal daily design & developmental workflow that adheres to the “Go-to-Market” calendar deliverables.
- Lead apparel design communication between all functions, coming up with creative solutions to push innovation.
- Create and deliver impactful presentations of seasonal proposals.
- Communicate and present concepts and presentation materials in conjunction with design and product teams.
- Lead product design reviews for product line management. Create and present seasonal trend and color overviews at design meetings alongside the Head of Design.
- Partner with Development Team in research of fabrications, techniques, materials, and applications.
- Lead development process alongside developers and technical designers to ensure fit and styling, from prototyping through sampling and production.
- Lead fit and review sessions alongside the Head of Design.
- Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of CADS, color extensions, and technical packages based on design/development calendar.
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining a base knowledge of competitor products, trends, colors, initiatives, and innovation.
- Responsible for awareness of activewear, outerwear, and other relevant influential performance athletic wear adjacent category trends, innovations, fabrics, treatments, trims, finishing, shapes, fits, etc.
ASSETS & TRAITS:
- Driven by the product creation process.
- Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities.
- Proficient at technical communication with vendors via pattern diagrams & fit photos.
- Knowledge of Grading.
- Strong applied comprehension of end-to-end product life cycle.
- Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset.
- Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
- Excellent time management, organizational & problem-solving skills
- Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity.
- Able to conduct fit sessions independently and lead other products as needed.
- Domestic, North American, and international travel mandatory.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA, BFS, or BS in Design, Technical design, Fashion Design or equivalent professional experience.
- 5>8 years industry experience as a Designer, Associate Designer, Technical Designer, Technical Developer, Developer in the Activewear, Outerwear, Performance wear, Fitness Apparel Wholesale Brand, Brand Name Retail or DTM Brand.
- Working knowledge of contemporary athletic performance fabrics, trims and constructions.
- Proficiency in Adobe Design Suite
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Proficiency in FLEX PLM or similar PLM software.
- Awareness, exposure to and comprehension of 3D Design software.