Job Description / Duties

The Buying and Design department works at the centre of the outdoor universe. Our talented team of Designers and Developers work in-house to create functional, technical, quality product with attention to style and detail that exceeds the demands of our members. Whichever adventure you choose, we have you covered.
As the Senior Designer - Backcountry you’ll work with the design team to create the MEC brand apparel collection.

You work with an inclusive, hands-on, collaborative group that connects people with quality products to encourage active outdoor lives. You’ll always be learning, and there’s a good chance your co-workers will inspire you to try something new, like riding in a Fondo, bouldering or paddleboarding.

What you do:

Lead the design output for all MEC brand apparel. Ensure feasibility of design to achieve briefed product end use, cost and manufacturability.
In conjunction with the Senior Director of Product Design and Merchants, participate in the development of relevant seasonal assortments.
Conduct seasonal market research and trend analysis.
Create accurate and detailed initial technical sketches and spec packages.
Ensure seasonal calendars are adhered to and all deadlines are met.
Establish and maintain working relationships with factories and mills.
Participate in all fit sessions and ensure all garments are developed to meet MEC fit and quality standards.
Work with the Raw Materials Team to choose fabrics and trims from nominated suppliers who adhere to our sustainability, quality, cost and delivery targets.
Travel seasonally to conduct market and trend research, attend trade shows, and to visit factories and mills as needed.
Work in conjunction with the Colour Team and Design Team to colour the seasonal collection.
Actively participate in implementing the HIGG Index throughout the development team.
Lead by example by consistently demonstrating MEC values, and by mentoring the junior designers and interns.

Qualifications / Required Skills

What you bring:

Post-secondary education in fashion design, industrial design, textiles or equivalent
You have 5-7 years experience designing a broad scope of product from fully taped outerwear to seamless baselayers
Adobe Illustrator skills and PLM systems knowledge
MS office; word and excel user
Proven leadership skills, to inspire and mentor team members
Thorough knowledge of raw materials, construction techniques, and trim
Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a fast paced environment
Great communication – you listen first, then share knowledge. This goes for both speaking and writing
You’re stoked on something: you love to build trails, log miles, organize hut trips, lean into corners, climb splitters or do something outside every day

Bonus points if you…

Have design experience in the outdoor industry
Have 3D design skills/Browzwear user or similar skills

Additional Information

About MEC
A retail co-operative, MEC exists to enable and inspire Canadians to live active outdoor lifestyles, supporting activities such as climbing, hiking, snowsports, watersports, cycling, running and yoga. Well known for selling high-quality products that offer great value, MEC employs outdoor enthusiasts who possess a strong service ethic to provide its members with an authentic and accessible customer experience. MEC has more than 3.75 million members across Canada, whom it serves through 22 stores in 6 provinces and www.mec.ca. An individual lifetime membership in MEC costs only $5.

Contact Information

How to apply:
Interested candidates are asked to apply on our website only. Please visit http://www.mec.ca/workinghere to set up a profile, apply for this position or browse through current job postings at MEC. Only applications received through our website will be considered. We thank all applicants for their time and interest in MEC, but will only contact those selected for an interview. Deadline to apply is October 4, 2017.

Employer Profile

About MEC
A retail co-operative, MEC exists to enable and inspire Canadians to live active outdoor lifestyles, supporting activities such as climbing, hiking, snowsports, watersports, cycling, running and yoga. Well known for selling high-quality products that offer great value, MEC employs outdoor enthusiasts who possess a strong service ethic to provide its members with an authentic and accessible customer experience. MEC has more than 3.75 million members across Canada, whom it serves through 22 stores in 6 provinces and www.mec.ca. An individual lifetime membership in MEC costs only $5.