Footwear Product Developer

Who You Are

We are currently looking for a Footwear Product Developer to join our Footwear/Bags/Wallets team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Footwear/Handbags and working closely with the team, you will be responsible for:

• Research latest trends, street style, and analyze runway shows, translating them to support the brand vision (WGSN, social media, competitors, etc.).
• Bring designs through the development stage to production ready products meeting design, fit, quality requirements and align with brand direction.
• Negotiate and review prices with manager to ensure FOB is reasonable vs design vs retail/vs other suppliers offers and meet margin targets.
• Communicate with suppliers, including follow-up on sample updates, preparing and sending out technical packages to vendors. Includes updating data systems and internal and external customers/suppliers as product changes in the development cycle.
• Review samples for accuracy of execution, fit, workmanship and function. Make tech pack updates, pattern adjustments, etc. to resolve any design/quality issues that arise during development and communicate changes to the factories for proper execution.
• Review issues with department manager and factories to evaluate and clarify issues.
• Track development process, managing all products to adhere to timelines & action calendar deadlines.
• Create product architecture and determine a development plan incorporating best sellers, keeps, updates and trends.
• Determine material standards.
• Analyze weekly sales results to ascertain if actions are required (ex: updates, repeats, fit issues, etc.). Communicate findings in weekly meetings to further enhance the collections.
• Conduct & present biweekly market competition analysis, monitor collections, quality and price points.
• Work with marketing for product alignment.
• Other duties as required
  
  

What You’ll Need

• Completion of post-secondary education, with a degree/diploma in Graphic Design.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a related role.
• Computer proficiency (Mac and PC format), with knowledge of Adobe Illustrator CS+, Adobe Photoshop CS+, Acrobat 6.
• Ability to font and image source.
• Ability to crop and make color corrections to images.
• Ability to work effectively in a high activity environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen ability to multi-task.
• Willingness to take on new challenges.
• Positive, upbeat energy with ability to create fun working environment is a must.
  
  

GROW WITH US!

We’re pretty proud to say that everything we do starts with our people – whether it’s in-store or at the head office. From sales associates and store leadership; dedicated in-house apparel and design teams; marketing, brand, and digital experts; stylists, photographers, and graphic designers; all the way to store concept and operations. We do it all. Ardene is truly a creative hub that is second to none.

Be part of a fun, dynamic and energetic team! Join our team and begin your career at one of North America’s top retail chains!

Hey, we're Ardene!

We're the ultimate destination in North America and beyond for head-to-toe apparel, footwear, and accessories - all at the best prices. In 1982, we started as an accessories and jewelry retailer. Today, we're on a whole new level, with 250+ stores in Canada, the USA and internationally – not to mention ardene.com and our app!

We believe that fashion shouldn’t be exclusive or intimidating – it should be celebrated with youthful confidence and fearless enthusiasm. Our journey is ongoing in this new era of retail, as we focus more than ever before on customer experience and sustainable practices.

We also take employee wellbeing and personal growth to heart. Our teams focus on driving initiatives in the area of mental health, diversity & inclusion, engagement and recognition. This includes our many mindfulness programs too, so our teams can create meaningful connections, lead with intention and kindness, and be their best selves at work and in their lives.

Want to learn more about Life at Ardene? Check out our careers site for the latest updates & read one-on-one personal interviews with team members from across Ardene.

https://ardenecorporate.com/life-at-ardene