Design Management Lead

Manager, Apparel Design

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.

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

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;
• 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.

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;
• Exclusive private sample sales;
• A flexible vacation policy;
• GDI has been repeatedly voted one of Montréal’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

We are committed to employment equity.