Groupe Dynamite Inc. Manager, Apparel Design

Overview

Groupe Dynamite Inc. (GDI) is a Montréal-based, public company of integrated omni-channel brands, designing and distributing accessible, trend-forward fashion for women since 1975.

Our mission of "Empowering YOU to be YOU, one outfit at a time" is brought to life through the GARAGE and DYNAMITE banners and represents the consumer-centric core of GDI's long-standing success as a leading retailer in North America.

Today, GDI operates nearly 300 stores across Canada and the United States, as well as shoppable brand experiences at Garageclothing.com and Dynamiteclothing.com.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Director, Design, this key role will lead apparel design.

Main Responsibilities:

• Translate brand direction and design strategy into clear guidance for Design teams to support the development of commercially sound products aligned with brand filters and customer needs;
• Support a proactive approach to product development and sourcing by ensuring Design teams follow internal processes and timelines, in close collaboration with cross-functional partners;
• Monitor global fashion trends and competitor offerings, identifying opportunities to support the development of relevant, commercially viable products and "design to fabric" initiatives;
• Collaborate closely with Merchandising partners, Design Directors, and the Concept Lead to ensure product execution aligns with the overall brand vision and seasonal objectives;
• Partner with Production and Sourcing teams to support the technical development of collections and ensure feasibility, quality, and cost targets are met;
• Manage and support the Design team for the assigned banner, providing day-to-day leadership, coaching, and feedback;
• Build cohesive collections with a strong understanding of brand aesthetic, target customer, and budget and price constraints;
• Motivate and guide the team by setting clear priorities, work objectives, and performance expectations;
• Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in product development to continuously improve team execution and processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in Design/Fashion;
• 7+ years of experience in fashion design and product development, with hands-on involvement in leading projects and mentoring junior designers within a structured team environment;
• 4-6 years of experience working closely with apparel manufacturers, with the ability to design to fabric and support initiatives that improve speed-to-market;
• Experience working within a mid-to-large scale organization, with exposure to multi-market or international product development considered an asset;
• Solid understanding of the end-to-end product development cycle, including sourcing strategies and production capabilities;
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to product development initiatives that balance creativity, commercial performance, and customer needs;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across design, sourcing, and cross-functional partners;
• Proactive, organized, and results-driven, with an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.

At GDI, you will be part of a growing organization that understands the importance of investing in people and offers you:

• A comprehensive compensation package that includes performance-driven bonuses;
• A group retirement savings program with employer matching;
• Flexible group insurance with personalized coverage that meets your needs;
• An employee discount at Garage and Dynamite;
• Exclusive private sample sales;
• A flexible vacation policy;
• And more!

GDI has been repeatedly voted one of Montréal's Top Employers and one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People.

Our promise...
No day will be like the last-we aim to be better today than we were yesterday. We are committed to employment equity.

Candidates that are retained will be called for an interview.