Roots is more than just an/the 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 of people who own results and are dedicated to seeing Roots win. We seek to build longstanding relationships with partners who share our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of operation.

We are currently seeking an Executive Level Design Lead who will seek inspiration from our roots, can commit to achieving results the right way and loves to think big to join us on our journey.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this executive will lead our creative team and drive the artistic direction of our brand. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of current fashion trends, exceptional design skills, and a proven track record of success in leading design teams within the apparel industry. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping our brand identity, developing new collections, and ensuring that our products resonate with our target audience.

This executive for Roots will be responsible for the following:

• Lead and inspire a team of talented designers, providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship to foster creativity and professional growth.
• Develop and implement innovative design strategies that align with the company’s brand vision, market trends, and target audience.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional tams, including product development, marketing, and merchandising, to ensure cohesive brand storytelling and product offerings.
• Oversee the entire design process from concept to execution, including trend research, sketching, prototyping, and sample development.
• Partner closely with product development to help drive product innovation and differentiation through the exploration of new materials, technologies, and construction techniques.
• Maintain a keen awareness of industry trends, competitor activity, and consumer preferences to inform design decisions and stay ahead of the curve.
• Manage the design budget effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to support creative initiatives and meet business objectives.
• Establish and uphold high standards of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail across all product categories and collectives.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and ideas are encouraged to flourish.
• Represent the company’s brand and design ethos externally through participation in industry events, presentations, and collaborations.

Top candidates for this role will have the following:

• Industry Experience: 10+ years of experience in a senior design leadership role within the apparel industry with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design styles, technical skills, and creative vision. While not mandatory, international experience in outdoor and athleticwear is highly preferred.
• Functional Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite, encompassing Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They must thoroughly understand garment construction, textiles, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, a genuine passion for fashion, art. Culture, and storytelling is essential.
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated leadership ability to drive results and motivate and lead team members and peers on the executive team.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Proven ability to work through conflict, build trust, and influence outcomes through outstanding interpersonal skills at all levels in the organization.
• Executive Presence: Possess effective and proactive communication, presentation, and consensus-building skills both written and verbally.
• Cultural Fit: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, on-time deliverable environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field; advanced degree or certification is a plus.

In addition to the above experience, the successful candidate will embody the Roots Core and Leadership Competency Matrix.

How to Apply

To be considered for our Executive Level Design Lead role, please forward your resume and any other applicable documents to Heather Porter at [email protected].

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.

At Roots we appreciate that skills and expertise are cultivated through a range of experiences. We are committed to reflecting Canada's diverse landscape in our products, team, and workplace culture. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every listed requirement. Accommodations are available for applicants throughout the recruitment process.