Product Development Manager

Roots is more than just an/the iconic Canadian retailer, we are a group of passionate employees who act with integrity, trust each other, and do what is right. We work in a space where people can grow and develop, with a team of people who own results and are dedicated to seeing Roots win. We seek to build longstanding relationships with partners who share our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of operation.
We are seeing a Product Development Manager to be a key member of our Leather Factory Management Team, reporting directly to the VP, Operations. This role will be responsible for the successful implementation of Design’s vision, to ensure a smooth development process and final execution, within the seasonal framework of the brand’s merchandising base and cost targets. In addition, this role will lead the product development process for Co-Branded Sales and International product initiatives to enhance sales and capture additional production, which are often time sensitive.
This role is a key liaison between the internal Factory Operations, Head office and a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The Product Development Manager must be able to ensure that the design vision can be viably translated into optimized production by planning the production calendar and factoring in the physical manufacturing methods factoring in capacity and work in progress.
The Product Development Manager for Roots will be responsible for the following:

- Manage the holistic product lifecycle from design hand off to bulk production, providing leadership and direction to the Product Development team while partnering with the Factory Operations, Product Leadership Team, Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing and Cobranded Sales.
- Create shared visibility managing the product development process for all channels, including the Co-Branded Sales and International teams, to seize fast-turn and time sensitive sales opportunities and special projects.
- Work with internal Factory Operations and vendors to ensure that we reach our IMO targets, and communicate and problem solve with Design, Factory Operations, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Co-Branded Sales & International teams (when applicable).
- Manage the Leather Factory Production Calendar, and adhere to all product development and production timelines, tracking sample progress, costing, and solving issues in-order to meet calendar and sales deadlines.
- Track and facilitate prototyping, sampling and costing for products; identify and address key issues and challenges in construction and manufacturing, and plan accordingly to deliver proven and tested products.
- Review all samples with Design, and Co-Branded Sales and International teams (when applicable), to edit and determine SMS sample requirement based on sample execution and cost.
- Provide adept insight and perspective that can lead to better and more efficient ways to build product. Advise on equipment needs and innovations to improve product quality, cost and/or efficiency.
- Monitor and communicate progress and challenges throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements to QA/compliance.
- Maintain and develop relationships with ongoing vendors, evaluating capabilities of existing suppliers; support Sourcing to vet new suppliers as required.
- Negotiate prices at proto stage in order to achieve the best possible margin for all product initiatives.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Design, Technical, and Sourcing, to strategically allocate development by designating tech packs out to most suitable maker(s), and ensure a balanced and leveraged sourcing strategy for all product sales initiatives including DTC and Non-Retail Initiatives.
- Degree in Product Development, Management or Merchandising.
- 7+ years of product development and merchandising experience within the apparel industry.
- Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Self-lead and an independent thinker with the ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication, presentation and influencing skills.
- Proven ability to foster and maintain strong business partner relationships with internal and external teams.
- Demonstrated leadership, development and coaching skills to lead an effective team.
- Extremely detailed and goal oriented, paired with the ability to deliver results against set targets.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate ideas and communicate with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and Design and Manufacturing software such as Adobe Illustrator, Pad, Caligola, Microsoft Project.
- Deep experience in leather craftmanship and an exceptional understanding of product construction and costing.
- An understanding of and affinity for the Roots customer. A passion for the brand’s values.

Founded in 1973, Roots Canada is a publicly held Canadian lifestyle brand that sells