We are looking for a hands-on product and merchandising leader with experience in apparel, licensed merchandise or consumer products. This person will oversee the full product-development process—from initial concept and assortment planning through design, technical development, costing, sampling, production readiness and retailer presentation.

The ideal candidate combines strong commercial instincts with the ability to manage design and technical execution. They should understand what retailers want, what factories need and how to develop products that are creative, manufacturable and commercially viable.

ResponsibilitiesProduct and Assortment Strategy

- Build seasonal product lines and retailer-specific assortments across apparel, accessories, collectibles and consumer products.
- Identify product, category and pricing opportunities based on retailer needs, market trends and licensed properties.
- Establish product architecture, price points, margin targets and assortment balance.
- Translate retailer briefs and commercial opportunities into actionable product-development plans.

Design and Creative Direction

- Develop product concepts and provide transparent creative direction to internal and external designers.
- Review and approve graphics, artwork, colorways, materials, packaging and product presentations.
- Ensure products remain commercially appealing while complying with brand and licensor guidelines.
- Contribute hands-on design work when required.

Technical Development

- Manage the creation and accuracy of tech packs, specifications, bills of materials and construction details.
- Oversee fit sessions, sample reviews, measurements, materials and product revisions.




- Communicate clear comments and approvals to factories and suppliers.
- Ensure products are technically complete and ready for production.

Costing and Margin Management

- Review factory quotations, landed costs and product margins.
- Work with suppliers to achieve target costs without compromising product quality or commercial appeal.
- Recommend changes to construction, materials, packaging or pack configuration to improve margins.
- Maintain visibility over target wholesale prices, retailer margins and internal profitability.

Development and Production Calendar

- Own the product-development calendar from concept through final sample approval.
- Coordinate design, sourcing, licensing, sales and production teams.
- Track deliverables, approvals, costing, samples and key deadlines.
- Identify delays or commercial issues early and drive them to resolution.

Retailer and Sales Support

- Participate in retailer meetings, line reviews and product presentations.
- Present assortments, product concepts and merchandising recommendations confidently.
- Incorporate buyer feedback into revised products and assortments.
- Work with the commercial team to develop retailer-specific programs and close opportunities.




- Maintain senior relationships with relevant buyers and merchandising teams where appropriate.

Team Leadership

- Manage and coordinate the functions responsible for product design, graphics, tech packs, fit, costing and sample development.
- Establish clear responsibilities, approval processes and quality standards.
- Hold internal teams and external partners accountable for timing and execution.

Qualifications

- Approximately 7–10 years of experience in apparel, licensed merchandise, consumer products or a related product category.
- Experience managing products from concept through production.
- Strong understanding of tech packs, garment construction, fit, materials, costing and factory communication.
- Experience developing retail assortments and presenting products to major or specialty retailers.
- Strong commercial understanding of wholesale pricing, gross margin and retailer requirements.
- Ability to direct graphics and product design while remaining hands-on when necessary.
- Experience working with overseas factories, licensors and cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple categories and development calendars simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with PLM or product-development systems is beneficial.

Success in the RoleSuccess will be measured by the quality and commercial relevance of the product line, achievement of margin targets, accuracy and completeness of technical packages, speed of sample development, adherence to retailer deadlines and the ability to convert commercial opportunities into production-ready programs.

📌 Director of Product Development & Merchandising (Montreal)
🏢 223
📍 Montreal