Job Description / Duties

Role: Director, Design (NOC 0016)
Salary: $150,000 – $250,000/year and Benefits (Extended Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance) + may be eligible for bonuses and salary increases, if applicable
Position: 45 hours/week, Full-time, Permanent
Location of work: Aritzia Support Office (#118-611 Alexander St. Vancouver, BC, V6A 1E1)
Number of positions: 1

The Director, Design’s objective is to initiate and oversee the development of the creative visions of our collections, with the aesthetics of our target customers in mind, season after season. The Design Director leads and supports the design team while working closely with merchant, manufacturing and merchandising to direct the line and set the creative strategy each season. This role is also responsible for the Form and Function of the collection for each season.

Key responsibilities of the Director, Design will include the following:

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
• Lead and inspire Designers to identify marketplace trends which are relevant to Aritzia’s customer
• Work in the retail stores to gather information, feedback and comments about designs and sales

CREATIVE STRATEGY
• Initiate, lead and develop the creative vision and direction in order to be in tune with the aesthetic of our target customer
• Inspire, lead and direct in the development of cohesive collections from concept to creation, all product types and categories.

SOURCING PASS & DEVELOPMENT
• Identify, develop and select fabrics, trims and colours that are right for each season based on vision

LINE PLANNING
• Provide direction and support in the creation and identifying of key silhouettes for each collection within the function plan
• To incorporate the seasonal creative and merchandising strategy that has been established.

FORM & FUNCTION
• Lead and direct the team to present the collection and assist in moving the development process forward

SPEC PASS
• Work collaboratively with product development, manufacturing and merchandising to pass requirements each season
• Oversee and monitor fit garments with Designers, Merchants, Technicians and Pattern Makers and provide input into the necessary changes

ITEM DEVELOPMENT & EXECUTION
• Oversee and direct fitting and final approvals according to business objectives
• Evaluate samples for fit, measurement, pattern shaping, quality and functionality to ensure best fit, durability and proper styling
• Direct and manage multiple seasons and collections at any given time and meet deadlines

FABRIC DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & CONFIRMATION
• Oversee and provide final approval on the overall direction of fabric designs and product packaging for the collection

LINE MANAGEMENT
• Oversee, review, direct and support designers collections by ensuring add-ins, cancellations and changes are being managed appropriately

PROMOTE THE BRAND
• Initiate, develop and approve creative art direction input to marketing and articulating the design vision in terms of theme, mood, venue, model, hair and make-up

POST-SEASON ANALYSIS
• Monitor, assess and implement solutions to continuously improve operations
• Analyze prior season’s performance in order to incorporate key learnings into next season’s strategy

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added or modified as required throughout the course of your employment.

Qualifications / Required Skills

The Director, Design will possess the following qualifications:

• Degree, diploma or certificate in Fashion Design or a related program
• 8+ years’ experience successfully managing designers and design teams
• Experience working for a vertically integrated fashion apparel retailer
• Broad and strategic knowledge of brand building and identity development
• Excellent sense of style and high fashion aesthetics; knowledge of fashion forecasting and trends
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with different departmental teams
• Entrepreneurial skills including: creative problem solving, understanding of sales reports and sales opportunities
• Proven leadership abilities and excellent communication & presentation skills – both written and verbal
• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Expertise with MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite (Design, Illustrator and Photoshop)
• Ability to travel internationally

Salary: $150,000 – $250,000/year and Benefits (Extended Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance) + may be eligible for bonuses and salary increases, if applicable

Contact Information

Apply Now: 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!

Employer Profile

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.