Job Description / Duties

Role: Director, Technical Design (NOC 5243)
Salary: $150,000-$175,000 /annum and Benefits (Extended Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance) + may be eligible for bonuses and salary increases, if applicable
Hours: 45 hours/week, Full-Time, Permanent
Location of work: Aritzia Support Office (#118-611 Alexander St. Vancouver, BC, V6A 1E1)
Number of positions: 1

As a leader in the Technical Design Department, you will lead the team responsible for translating the creative vision into comprehensive tech packs inclusive of all required technical specifications. As Director, Technical Design, you will act the product development partner to the Creative Director, ensuring the successful development of design details to enable the manufacturing of our beautiful collections. And, with your valuable contribution to the business in this role, you will be rewarded and recognized for your expertise and impact.

1. DETAIL TREND
To identify upcoming trends in style details
a) Runway – Oversee the discovery and presentation of style detail runway trends
b) Aspirational Marketplace – Oversee the discovery and presentation of style detail aspirational landscape trends
c) Inspirational Marketplace – Oversee the discovery and presentation of style detail inspirational landscape trends
d) Street-style – Oversee the discovery and presentation of style detail street-style trends
e) Influencers – Oversee the discovery and presentation style detail influencer trends
f) Trend Forecasters – Oversee the discovery and presentation of style detail trend forecaster trends
g) Tradeshows – Oversee the discovery and presentation of style detail tradeshow trends

2. DETAIL DESIGN
To design the style details for the line
a) Secondary Fabrics – Manage the design and selection of secondary fabrics for the collection
b) Linings – Manage the design and selection of lining fabrics for the collection
c) Unlogo'd Trims – Manage the design and selection of un-logoed trims and tipping for the collection

3. PACKAGING APPLICATION
To design optimal application of product branding
a) Materials – Manage the selection of material is in line with optimal product branding
b) Placement – Manage packaging placement for optimal application of product branding
c) Application technique – Manage the identification of the optimal application technique for all product branding
d) Size & Colour – Manage the application of packaging size & colour ensuring the design intent is realized
e) Functionality – Ensure functionality of packaging application

4. SPECIFICATIONS
To create actionable blueprints that execute on the creative vision
a) Technical Illustration – Manage the development of precise technical drawings, ensuring that Creative Design
vision is expertly captured
b) Bill of Materials – Manage the input of accurate information on the bill of materials for all styles in the collection
c) Detail Specifications – Manage the input of accurate specifications for all style details in the collection
d) Product Packaging Specifications – Manage the input of accurate specifications for all product packaging
including labels and stock tickets in the collection

5. DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
Work with the appropriate Business Support partners to seamlessly lead the day-to-day function of the department in support of corporate objectives, while enabling progressive career development and an incredible employee experience
a) People Management – Lead and advance our people, maximizing their results through the 10 areas: Planning, Hiring, Onboarding, Evaluating, Developing, Engaging, Scheduling, Compensating, Transitioning, and Relating
b) Operations Management – Manage the day-to-day department priorities by ensuring quality output, timely results, a methodical approach, and clear accountability across the team
c) Technology Management – Validate high quality data management, ensure current systems are used appropriately, and identify opportunities for technology innovations to advance the business
d) Finance Management – Hold the team accountable to maximize the department's financial performance, driving revenue generating activities and minimize controllable expenses
e) Analytics Management – Leverage reporting to identify opportunities and improve the expected results of the department

Qualifications / Required Skills

The Director, Technical Design will possess the following qualifications:

• Completion of a university degree in Design, Technical Design, Fashion Design, or a related field
• 5+ years of director-level product development experience with high-end fashion brands
• 7+ years of experience driving development strategy for high-end fashion brands that operate in similar markets
• Demonstrated ability to lead a Technical Design department effectively
• Possession of strong business acumen to make sound business decisions and drive results – both top line sales and bottom-line profitability
• Knowledge of industry best practices and landscape
• Strong sense of one’s own style and taste to understand and adopt design, fashion, trends and aesthetic fundamentals in innovative ways

Additional Information

Working at Aritzia: Aritzia’s Support Office is located on the edge of downtown Vancouver (611 Alexander St. Vancouver, BC, V6A 1E1), a city consistently recognized as one of the world’s best cities to live. Much like our boutiques, our workspace is modern and unique, and reflects our love of contemporary design. Our team consists of creative and dynamic industry professionals who love to design and promote Aritzia’s in-house brands, scope out the latest global trends, and continue learning and sharing their passion for fashion with our valued clientele – all in an environment that fosters long-term career planning and personal growth. Check us out at www.aritzia.com

Aritzia believes in providing an inclusive workplace where all individuals have opportunity to succeed. We are committed to doing so by providing accessible employment practices. Requests for accommodation due to a disability can be made at any stage of the recruitment process and applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known.

Salary: $150,000-$175,000/annum and Benefits (Extended Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance) + may be eligible for bonuses and salary increases, if applicable

Contact Information

If you are interested in an exciting career in the fashion apparel industry, please forward your cover letter, resume and portfolio, if applicable (PDF or website link) to careers@aritzia.com. PLEASE NOTE THE JOB TITLE AND WEBSITE IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

NOTE: Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. If you are not contacted for this position, please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for your interest in Aritzia!