Job Description / Duties

The Buying & Design department works at the centre of the gear universe. They scour the world for innovative gear. And they work in-house to design thoughtful, elegant pieces that are bang-on for a running route, uptrack, or training session.

As the Materials Developer, Hardgoods you’ll be responsible for researching, sourcing and developing raw materials from conception through to materials finalization

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:

Create material briefs in conjunction with designers and Product Managers
Materials development project coordination and planning
Research and select existing materials, or identifying a need for new developments, to meet the requirements of the materials projects
Coordinate the MEC approval of materials to meet performance and quality standards as determined by MEC
Manage the materials database
Vendor relations and communication
Work with the MEC Production team to solve any materials related product production issues
Continuously researching market developments and new technologies. Maintaining awareness of trends, innovations and competitor materials within but also outside the outdoor industry

Qualifications / Required Skills

What you bring:

Post-secondary education in related discipline e.g. Fashion Design
5-7 years of materials development (hardgoods) experience preferably in the retail industry
Extensive knowledge of product design and development process
Experience with product manufacturing processes including: materials/fabrics; plastics; pigments
Great (English) communication – you listen first, then share knowledge. This goes for both speaking and writing.
Excellent attention to detail – some might call you nitpicky – because you know small things matter
A good team player attitude, even when things get a little crazy. But you’re just as comfortable working solo.
You can handle many tasks at the same time and meet deadlines, while keeping cool.
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 materials development experience in the outdoor retail industry

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 September 26, 2016

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 18 stores in 6 provinces and www.mec.ca. An individual lifetime membership in MEC costs only $5.