We are hiring a VP of Design & Product Development based in Toronto for a premium Canadian outdoor lifestyle brand with a cult following and a growing outdoor and lifestyle apparel collection across Menswear and Womenswear.
The OpportunityYou will own the product vision from first concept to finished sample across Menswear, Womenswear and Accessories, deciding what the brand makes and why it deserves a place in the customer's wardrobe.
This is a hands-on role in which you will set the seasonal direction, lead the design and product development teams, and work with Sourcing & Production to deliver product that performs in real conditions and meets commercial requirements.
You will sit on the senior leadership team and partner closely with Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing, Ecommerce and Wholesale. Your decisions will shape the collection sold through the brand's own channels and through retail partners in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe.
What You Will LeadProduct Vision & Design Direction- Define the long-term product vision and seasonal design direction for apparel and accessories.
- Build a coherent outdoor lifestyle collection where clothing and accessories work together as one wardrobe.
- Set colour, fabric, silhouette and detail direction for each season, grounded in how customers travel and spend time outdoors.
- Protect the signature products while introducing new styles, fabrics and categories.
- Read global outdoor, travel, fashion and lifestyle trends and apply only what is right for the brand and its customer, leading with an elevated and refined approach.
- Use customer insight, wear testing and sales data to guide design decisions.
Product Development & Fabric Innovation- Lead a small design and product development team from concept and tech pack through fit, sampling and final approval.
- Drive fabric and trim innovation across natural fibres and performance fabrics, including sun protective, water repellent, breathable and packable constructions.
- Set and uphold standards for fit, construction, durability and quality, so every product earns long-term customer trust.
- Work with mills, trim suppliers and manufacturing partners in Canada and overseas to deliver on time, on cost and to specification.
- Own the critical path and development calendar, keeping every season on schedule.
- Advance responsible material choices, repairability and product longevity as core design principles.
Commercial & Cross-Functional Leadership- Partner with Merchandising to build a balanced range architecture with clear price points and margin targets.
- Own the design and development budget and manage costings alongside Sourcing.
- Work with Marketing to make sure product stories are clear, credible and ready for campaign.
- Present seasonal strategy and collections to executive leadership.
- Lead collaborations and limited editions that bring new customers to the brand.
Team Leadership- Manage, coach and develop a small design and product development team.
- Set clear briefs, give direct feedback and create room for people to do their best work.
- Strengthen process, tools and ways of working across design, technical and development functions as your role evolves.
- Hire well and build succession within the team.
What You Will Bring- 10+ years of experience in apparel design specifically, currently at VP Design, Head of Design, Design Director or Creative Director level.
- A background including outdoor, performance or premium lifestyle apparel, with experience across Menswear, Womenswear or both.
- Deep knowledge of technical and performance fabrics and natural fibres.
- Strong technical understanding of fit, construction and quality standards.
- Experience working with international mills and manufacturing partners.
- Commercial fluency: range planning, costing, margin management and budget ownership.
- Experience designing for both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels.
- A commitment to sustainable materials and product built to last.
- Confident presenting to executive leadership.
- A track record of building, leading and developing high-performing design and product teams.
- A degree in Fashion Design, specialising in apparel.
- Passionate about the outdoors and equally connected to the trends that drive compelling fashion.
What's On Offer- A competitive salary in line with experience.
- A comprehensive benefits package.
- Hybrid working based in Toronto.
- Full ownership of design and product development, with a seat on the senior leadership team.
- The chance to evolve an apparel collection for a brand customers already trust.
- A business with international reach and clear ambition for growth.
Additional RequirementsCurrently living and working in the US or Canada or willing to relocate to Toronto.
📩 How to Apply:This search is being conducted in confidence by Fashion Heaven Inc.
To apply, please follow the link in the job posting and submit your CV, a portfolio aligned to the job description and a short cover note through our web portal. All applications are reviewed here exclusively.
