RTW Design Director

Location: Paris Address: 3 Rue Tronchet Paris, Paris 75008 France Job Title: RTW Design Director

Canada Goose isn't like anything else. We've built something great, something special - an iconic lifestyle brand with an inspirational and authentic story. At the heart of it is our promise to inspire and enable all people to thrive in the world outside. At Canada Goose, you're part of a movement that belongs to something bigger. One that seeks out the restorative power of nature and is driven by our purpose to embolden explorers and preserve the planet they roam. We endure any condition, observe every detail, and are building a community that believes in living bravely and coming together to support game-changing people. Here, opportunities are everywhere - to try something new, to learn, to do meaningful and impactful work, and they're yours for the taking.

Position Overview: Based in the Paris Studio, the RTW Design Director will create, lead and execute product design activities from initial seasonal concept to final product. Highly creative, the Design Director plays a key role in defining a modern and elevated silhouette that remains true to the brand's core DNA, engaging our established audience while expanding the appeal to the global fashion luxury market. The Design Director has a strong expertise in both fashion and performance, combining creative vision, technical craftsmanship, and innovative thinking to drive the design process forward. In close collaboration with the Product Development, Materials & Innovation, Operations, Sourcing and Merchandising teams, the Design Director will manage the calendar deliverables and workflow ensuring the creation of a compelling luxury product assortment that meets high quality standards, Brand Image and time-to-market objectives, satisfies market needs and drives sales and global brand growth. The Design Director will manage, mentor and grow the design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within the design function.

*This is a 6 month contract with the possibility of extension*

About The Role:

• Oversee the design of all Snow Goose RTW and a selected range of Mainline styles
• Design a strong, relevant and cohesive seasonal concept under the creative direction of Haider Ackermann, the responsibility of the Collections Vice-President and in close collaboration with the other design leaders
• Lead the Paris RTW Design team with a clear vision, inspiration and leadership to develop the seasonal concept through in-depth iconographic research and creative explorations
• Ensure the brand’s DNA is authentically reinforced and reflected throughout the design process
• Lead the exploratory style-out sessions to research and define the seasonal silhouette aligned with the Creative Director’s vision
• Organize and lead all design meetings with the Creative Director in the Paris studio
• Organize and lead sketches explanations, fittings and debriefs with the development team to ensure that all design elements are executed with precision and coherence with the concept and brand strategy
• Integrate market trends and consumer feedback into the design process, ensuring relevance and innovation in each collection
• Work closely with Marketing and Merchandising teams to ensure all designs support the Image and Business objectives
• Lead collaboration with the Materials department to source and develop high-quality fabrics and trims aligned with the season
• Manage and drive calendar deliverables within the Product Pipeline process, ensuring deadlines are met and milestones are achieved
• Travel to vendors and attend trade shows as needed to lead product research and development
• Responsible for project management and executional leadership of direct reports to ensure excellent execution of all products
• Engage and communicate as needed with external collaboration partners, designers and contract consultants to ensure alignment and project success
• Support product storytelling by developing compelling narrative content
• Maintain product continuity throughout the process, ensuring consistency in innovation and brand image
• Oversee and manage the Design budget, ensuring alignment with objectives (including all purchases, vintage acquisitions, travel expenses, etc.)

About You:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA Hons or equivalent) in Fashion Design
• 10+ years of experience in Outerwear & Apparel Design
• Experience managing teams and leading projects from concept to execution
• Demonstrated expertise in Apparel product construction, finishes and embellishments
• High expertise in Fabrics and Trims
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative to achieve departmental and corporate objectives
• Excellent presentation skills of both design and final presentation
• Strong pro