Job Description

Roots is more than just an iconic Canadian retailer, we are a group of passionate people who act with integrity, trust each other and do what is right. We work in a space where people can grow and develop, with teams who own results and are dedicated to seeing Roots win. We seek to build long standing relationships with partners who share our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of operation.



We are currently seeking a?Director, Womenswear Design who will seek inspiration from our roots, can commit to achieving results the right way and loves to think big to join us on our journey.



The Design?Director of Womenswear?will be responsible for shaping and executing the?long-term vision, seasonal direction, and product strategy?for the?Women's category, with a focus on?balancing heritage, innovation, and performance-driven design. As Roots continues to?expand its performance offering, experience in?performance apparel design?is preferred, ensuring products seamlessly integrate?functionality, comfort, and style?for today's active consumer.



Working in close partnership with the?Head of Design, this role will lead the?Womenswear design team?while collaborating across?Menswear, Children's Wear, Merchandising, Marketing, Product Development, Sourcing, and Retail teams?to ensure a cohesive and compelling brand experience. The ideal candidate will drive?fabric innovation, sustainable practices, and consumer-focused design solutions?that align with Roots' commitment to?quality, craftsmanship, and outdoor lifestyle versatility.



The Director, Womenswear Design for Roots will be responsible for the following:



Design Leadership & Category Strategy



Establish and lead the?design strategy and creative direction?for?Womenswear, ensuring the category balances?heritage, innovation, and performance-driven design?to drive growth and consumer engagement. Develop and refine a?multi-season product roadmap, ensuring that design innovation aligns with?business goals, consumer insights, and evolving lifestyle trends. Ensure the Womenswear assortment is?well-balanced, offering?core essentials, seasonal innovations, and strategic newness?that resonate with both?casual and performance-oriented consumers. Collaborate with?Menswear and Children's Wear teams?to ensure a unified brand aesthetic across all categories while allowing for distinct design expressions.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Execution



Work closely with?Merchandising?to align design vision with?assortment architecture, pricing strategy, and sales objectives. Partner with?Marketing and Visual Merchandising?to ensure that?product storytelling and seasonal messaging translate effectively across retail, e-commerce, and campaign activations. Collaborate with?Product Development and Sourcing?to ensure that materials, construction, and manufacturing processes uphold Roots' standards for?quality, sustainability, and durability. Partner with?Retail & Consumer Insights teams?to analyze customer feedback, sales data, and return rates, using insights to?refine fit, fabric, and style offerings. Support and contribute to?brand initiatives, collaborations, and special projects?that elevate the brand's presence and cultural relevance.

Innovation, Fabric Development & Sustainability



Champion a?fabric-first approach?to Womenswear, working closely with the?R&D and Sourcing teams?to develop materials that enhance performance, comfort, and longevity. Identify opportunities for?new fabric innovations, moisture-wicking technologies, stretch and recovery, thermoregulation, and all-weather protection, aligning with the brand's?expanding performance apparel offerings. Ensure product offerings align with?seasonal climate considerations and versatile layering needs, supporting a year-round wardrobe solution for customers. Maintain a focus on?craftsmanship and timeless design, reinforcing Roots' reputation for?high-quality, functional pieces.

Fit, Function & Performance-Driven Design



Lead ongoing?fit evaluations and refinement processes?in partnership with the?Technical Design team, ensuring consistent fit and functionality across all Womenswear styles. Incorporate?customer insights, product testing, and competitive benchmarking?to enhance?comfort, durability, and technical innovation. Ensure that the collection is?inclusive and size-diverse, addressing the needs of a broad consumer base while maintaining the brand's design integrity. Expand performance apparel offerings with a focus on?comfort-driven, versatile, and functional designs?that support a modern active lifestyle.

Team Leadership & Development



Lead, mentor, and inspire a?high-performing Womenswear design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Oversee?talent development, performance management, and succession planning, ensuring the team is set up for long-term success. Encourage a?cross-functional mindset, ensuring seamless collaboration between the?Menswear, Children's Wear, and Product teams. Cultivate a culture of?continuous learning and research, encouraging the team to stay ahead of industry trends, sustainability practices, and consumer behavior shifts.

Top candidates for the?Director, Womenswear Design role will have the following:

10+ years of experience?in?multi-category Women's design, including?outerwear, activewear, and lifestyle apparel. Experience in performance apparel design is strongly preferred, with expertise in integrating?technical innovation, functional materials, and ergonomic fit solutions. Proven leadership experience in?guiding and developing design teams?within a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Strong ability to translate?consumer insights, market trends, and brand identity?into a compelling and differentiated product assortment. Deep understanding of?garment construction, fit development, and fabric innovation, with a commitment to?quality and sustainability. Proficiency in?Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PLM, and?3D design software (CLO3D or Browzwear preferred). Ability to?balance creative vision with business strategy, ensuring that design solutions meet both?aesthetic and commercial goals. Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to?effectively articulate design concepts and strategy?to executive leadership and cross-functional teams. Passion for the?outdoor lifestyle, heritage craftsmanship, and functional fashion.

Founded in 1973, Roots Canada is a publicly held Canadian lifestyle brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear and active athletic wear with over 100 retail stores in North America and Asia.



At Roots we appreciate that skills and expertise are cultivated through a range of experiences. We are committed to reflecting Canada's diverse landscape in our products, team, and workplace culture. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every listed requirement. Accommodations are available for applicants throughout the recruitment process.