Job Description / Duties

The Buying & Design department works at the centre of the active 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, whether on the Mountain or in the Studio, we have you covered.

As a Technical Product Developer (Active), you’ll be responsible for the development of MEC branded product from the initial concept phase through to product finalization, and maintaining MEC quality standards and expectations.

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, a team sweat or paddleboarding.

What you do:

Create and manage the technical specification (tech packs) from initial concept phase through to finalization
Manage the seasonal projects and their timelines
Manage the fit process in collaboration with designers, pattern team and product managers
Communicate and travel to the factories
Test all components (trims, tapes, buttons, snaps etc.) within MEC’s guidelines
Product and Fit Approval reviews with Production for all new styles and carryovers with significant changes
Ensure seasonal costing targets are met
Act as a resource for in-season production and quality issues and resolutions
Cross-functional Product Development and Planning meeting participation
Actively participate in implementing the HIGG Index throughout the development team

Qualifications / Required Skills

What you bring:

A post-secondary degree program in apparel /industrial design or garment production and manufacturing.
Minimum five years’ experience in technical product development preferably in the active or outdoor industry.
Strong knowledge and background in garment and/or active apparel construction.
Excellent attention to detail – some might call you nitpicky – because you know small things matter.
You’re are a problem solver and like to follow a process.
You can handle many tasks at the same time and meet deadlines, while keeping cool.
Great communication skills – you listen first, then share knowledge. This goes for both speaking and writing.
You have good judgement, you are tactful and diplomatic.
A good team player attitude, even when things get a little crazy.
Super savviness with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and PLM as well as MS Word and MS Excel for Mac.
You’re stoked on something: you love to organize community runs, studio sweat sessions, indoor climb or do something sweaty or active every day.

Bonus points if you…

Have experience in Technical Active Apparel
Have factory floor experience on your resume

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 May 26, 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 21 stores in 6 provinces and www.mec.ca. An individual lifetime membership in MEC costs only $5.