Senior Designer, Womenswear

1400 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 4C4, Canada Req #1872

Roots is more than just an iconic Canadian retailer; we are a group of passionate employees who act with integrity, trust each other, and do what is right. We work in a space where people can grow and develop, with a team dedicated to seeing Roots win. We seek to build longstanding relationships with partners who share our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of operation.

Roots is seeking a Senior Designer, Womenswear to work collaboratively with the Design Director to actively design, create, and execute the vision of the brand. The Senior Designer, Womenswear has a firm understanding of Roots brand DNA and brings a strong point of view while leading, mentoring, and inspiring team members.

The Senior Designer, Womenswear for Roots will be responsible for the following:

• Collaborate with cross-department Designers, Design Director/Sr. Design Director each season to develop conceptual direction, provide research and style recommendations for total product assortment that meets seasonal Color and Concept to execute the vision of the brand.
• Maintain creative direction aligned with brand concept and product line plans within assigned price point.
• Build strong, dynamic, and synergistic relationships with cross-functional partners: Merchandising, Marketing, Tech Design, Graphic Design, Product Development, and Sourcing team to ensure all products support the business objectives.
• Prepare seasonal presentations on a quarterly basis for inspiration and product design to internal leadership and merchandising team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop branding and seasonal trim package.
• Create and manage tech packs including technical drawings, construction page & BOM.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely completion of tech pack handoff to cross-functional partners.
• Partner with Tech Design in initiating any needed fit analysis for seasonal development. Attend weekly fittings to provide design fit intent and aesthetic point of view at fit stage of the development process.
• Partner with R&D in initiating any needed new fabric development and fabric innovation/technology for seasonal development, working closely with R&D team on fabric approvals.
• Initiate creative seasonal print/pattern direction for assigned commodities. Partner with Graphic Designers to ensure timely execution and accurate aesthetic based on initial design intent for artwork direction.
• Lead and support direct reports Designer/Associate Designer to ensure projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Able to operate in uncertain situations and come up with creative solutions.
• Travel to vendors and attend trade shows as needed to lead product research and development.

Top candidates for the Senior Designer, Womenswear role will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, or a combination of college education and industry-related work experience.
• 8+ years experience in multi-category Women's design, experienced in commodities such as Active, Sweater, and Outerwear.
• In-depth knowledge of garment construction, fit, material development, and process.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and PLM. Experience in 3D software is an asset but not required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative environment, managing multiple seasons at one time and tracking development deadlines.
• Ability to set overall creative tone and lead creative design process.
• Excellent communication skills in both presentation and teamwork environments.

Founded in 1973, Roots Canada is a publicly held Canadian lifestyle brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear, and active athletic wear with over 100 retail stores in North America and Asia.