Others are grown, season after season, out of a genuine love of place, craft and the people who wear what is made. We are leading a search for a VP of Design & Product Development based in Toronto, to write the next chapter for a fashion brand with real emotional equity, trusted with the everyday moments of the people who love it, and now ready to sharpen its edge. It calls for someone who moves fluently between instinct and strategy, between craft and commerce, between the mood board and the margin.

Based in Toronto, you will lead the creative vision across Menswear, Womenswear and Kidswear, with storytelling and marketing woven into every decision, from first sketch to final campaign. You will set seasonal direction, shape a monthly drop strategy, and lead a design team of around fifteen toward one clear, ambitious point of view, all while protecting the quality, comfort and craftsmanship the brand has built its name on over decades. You will lead through your team rather than around them, nurturing commercial expression through shape, proportion, fabric and detail, and building a studio culture people are proud to belong to.

Reporting into the office of the President, you will sit at the centre of the business, collaborating cross functionally with Product Development, Sourcing, Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Ecommerce and Retail at senior leadership level, and representing design and product at the executive table. Toronto, Canada|Hybrid & On Site|Reporting to the Office of the President Creative Direction & Seasonal Planning Lead the design team, seasonal direction and monthly drop strategy, guiding a team of around fifteen toward a unified creative vision. Set seasonal themes, colour palettes,



fabric direction and silhouette evolution for every drop.

Track emerging European and global trends, adapting them intelligently and authentically for the North American customer. Shape cohesive concepts that support storytelling and outfit building across the full assortment. Balance newness with functional ease, performance and commercial focus.

Use consumer insight and sales data to sharpen creative direction, pairing instinct with evidence.

Product

Design & Development Lead multi-category design with close attention to proportion, fit, construction and lifestyle use. Partner with Buying to build design-led, commercially sound assortments. Lead fabric direction, partnering with international mills and vendor partners.

Oversee fit sessions, sampling and development alongside the technical design team. Own the design budget and margin targets in partnership with Merchandising and Sourcing, balancing ambition with commercial reality. Champion responsible and sustainable material choices, and support the brand's craftsmanship and ethical sourcing commitments, including relationships with owned or specialist manufacturing partners.

Work closely with Buying, Sourcing, Technical Design, Product Development and Production teams. Communicate design intent clearly through seasonal briefs, sketches, tech packs, mood boards and design presentations.



Partner with Marketing to reflect storytelling in seasonal themes and capsules, engaging the target audience meaningfully.

Present seasonal vision and product strategy to executive leadership, translating creative direction into commercial confidence at the highest level. Support business objectives through informed product decision making and design leadership. Leadership & Team Development Mentor and guide the design team with clear vision, structure and creative leadership.

Provide seasonal briefings, constructive feedback and ongoing skill development. Build a talent pipeline and succession plan within the design function, developing the next generation of design leaders. Educated to degree level or above in Fashion Design. ~12+ years of experience in fashion design operating at VP or equivalent level, spearheading retailers or brands. ~ Proven ability to drive up-to-date, commercially successful multi-category collections and capsules. ~ Strong understanding of garment construction, fit and technical development. ~ Commercial fluency, including budget ownership, margin management and cost negotiation. ~ Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills, including comfort presenting to senior executive audiences. ~ Demonstrated experience leading, nurturing and inspiring design teams in a fast‑paced environment.

A competitive salary aligned with experience. Relocation assistance provided where required. Hybrid working based in Toronto, four days in the office and one day from home. A genuine hand in shaping the next chapter of a brand's design legacy, not just executing on someone else's vision. #

📌 VP Design & Product Development (Toronto)
🏢 Fashion Heaven Inc. (Stockholm)
📍 Toronto