Director, Womenswear Design
We are currently seeking a Director, Womenswear Design who will seek inspiration from our roots, can commit to achieving results the right way and loves to think big to join us on our journey.
The Design Director of Womenswear will be responsible for shaping and executing the long-term vision, seasonal direction, and product strategy for the Women’s category, with a focus on balancing heritage, innovation, and performance-driven design. As Roots continues to expand its performance offering, experience in performance apparel design is preferred, ensuring products seamlessly integrate functionality, comfort, and style for today’s active consumer.
Working in close partnership with the Head of Design, this role will lead the Womenswear design team while collaborating across Menswear, Children's Wear, Merchandising, Marketing, Product Development, Sourcing, and Retail teams to ensure a cohesive and compelling brand experience. The ideal candidate will drive fabric innovation, sustainable practices, and consumer-focused design solutions that align with Roots' commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and outdoor lifestyle versatility.
The Director, Womenswear Design for Roots will be responsible for the following:
Design Leadership & Category Strategy
- Establish and lead the design strategy and creative direction for Womenswear, ensuring the category balances heritage, innovation, and performance-driven design to drive growth and consumer engagement.
- Develop and refine a multi-season product roadmap, ensuring that design innovation aligns with business goals, consumer insights, and evolving lifestyle trends.
- Ensure the Womenswear assortment is well-balanced, offering core essentials, seasonal innovations, and strategic newness that resonate with both casual and performance-oriented consumers.
- Collaborate with Menswear and Children’s Wear teams to ensure a unified brand aesthetic across all categories while allowing for distinct design expressions.
Cross-Department Collaboration & Execution
- Work closely with Merchandising to align design vision with assortment architecture, pricing strategy, and sales objectives.
- Partner with Marketing and Visual Merchandising to ensure that product storytelling and seasonal messaging translate effectively across retail, e-commerce, and campaign activations.
- Collaborate with Product Development and Sourcing to ensure that materials, construction, and manufacturing processes uphold Roots’ standards for quality, sustainability, and durability.
- Partner with Retail & Consumer Insights teams to analyze customer feedback, sales data, and return rates, using insights to refine fit, fabric, and style offerings.
- Support and contribute to brand initiatives, collaborations, and special projects that elevate the brand’s presence and cultural relevance.
Innovation, Fabric Development & Sustainability
- Champion a fabric-first approach to Womenswear, working closely with the R&D and Sourcing teams to develop materials that enhance performance, comfort, and longevity.
- Identify opportunities for new fabric innovations, moisture-wicking technologies, stretch and recovery, thermoregulation, and all-weather protection, aligning with the brand’s expanding performance apparel offerings.
- Ensure product offerings align with seasonal climate considerations and versatile layering needs, supporting a year-round wardrobe solution for customers.
- Maintain a focus on craftsmanship and timeless design, reinforcing Roots' reputation for high-quality, functional pieces.
Fit, Function & Performance-Driven Design
- Lead ongoing fit evaluations and refinement processes in partnership with the Technical Design team, ensuring consistent fit and functionality across all Womenswear styles.
- Incorporate customer insights, product testing, and competitive benchmarking to enhance comfort, durability, and technical innovation.
- Ensure that the collection is inclusive and size-diverse, addressing the needs of a broad consumer base while maintaining the brand’s design integrity.
- Expand performance apparel offerings with a focus on comfort-driven, versatile, and functional designs that support a modern active lifestyle.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Womenswear design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
- Oversee talent development, performance management, and succession planning, ensuring the team is set up for long-term success.
- Encourage a cross-functional mindset, ensuring seamless collaboration between the Menswear, Children's Wear, and Product teams.
- Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and research, encouraging the team to stay ahead of industry trends, sustainability practices, and consumer behavior shifts.
Top candidates for the Director, Womenswear Design role will have the following:
- 10+ years of experience in multi-category Women’s design, including outerwear, activewear, and lifestyle apparel.
- Experience in performance apparel design is strongly preferred, with expertise in integrating technical innovation, functional materials, and ergonomic fit solutions.
- Proven leadership experience in guiding and developing design teams within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
- Strong ability to translate consumer insights, market trends, and brand identity into a compelling and differentiated product assortment.
- Deep understanding of garment construction, fit development, and fabric innovation, with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PLM, and 3D design software (CLO3D or Browzwear preferred).
- Ability to balance creative vision with business strategy, ensuring that design solutions meet both aesthetic and commercial goals.
- Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate design concepts and strategy to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Passion for the outdoor lifestyle, heritage craftsmanship, and functional fashion.
Founded in 1973, Roots Canada is a publicly held Canadian lifestyle brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear and active athletic wear with over 100 retail stores in North America and Asia.
At Roots we appreciate that skills and expertise are cultivated through a range of experiences. We are committed to reflecting Canada's diverse landscape in our products, team, and workplace culture. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every listed requirement. Accommodations are available for applicants throughout the recruitment process.
Other details
- Pay Type Salary
- 1400 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 4C4, Canada