Designer / Product Developer

About Poppy Barley

Poppy Barley is a direct to consumer Canadian brand creating luxury for people and the planet. We create products to be worn on repeat, offered at reformed pricing and made with a commitment to do better for people and the planet. Innovation is part of our DNA and re-thinking every step is a core value.

Your Purpose

Reporting to the Product Design Lead, the Product Developer will work closely with the Designer and Product team in the design and production of seasonal collections. They will manage a portfolio of products and oversee the initial design through to sampling and production of that category.

Your Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Product Designer to pull trend reports and initial planning of a seasonal collection
• Following the direction of the season set out by the Lead Product Designer, design new styles in your portfolio of products (Footwear, Small Leather and Soft Goods)
• Create initial sketches and product ideation and communicate all style elements to the Technical Designer to proceed with tech specs
• Work within seasonal color palette to select colors and leathers for new and carryover styles in the portfolio, create color-ups to review color options by style
• Oversee the submission of leather developments, tracking and communicate lab dip approvals or notes with the factories
• Attend Fitting Sessions to review styles on the foot—communicate necessary changes for Technical Designer to communicate to the factory
• Oversee ordering and tracking of Pre-Production and Photoshoot samples
• Engage in active problem solving with overseas vendors, providing solutions & clarity to ensure timely delivery of samples and bulk production
• Establish and maintain respectful and meaningful relationships with factories and artisans
• Own updates of visual assortment plan making sure that the visual of our seasonal collection is kept up-to-date with any styles that are changed, added or cut from the collection
• Support in the creation of product training and collection presentations to the marketing team
• Conduct competitive analysis on a regular basis
• Source new materials, trims and leather articles with an eye on sustainability, product excellence and saleability
• Conduct store survey 4 times a year to get real time information on how products are selling and what customers are saying with an eye of always finding ways to improve our products and continue to delight our customers
• Maintain catalog of trims, finishes and leathers in the product pod

Key Performance Indicators

• Agile individuals, who are able to adapt and problem solve with changing priorities and production challenges
• Observant, analytical thinkers who can ensure that the best products make it to market
• Collaborative team players with clear communication skills, who build relationships easily with co-workers and factories
• Passion for ethical and sustainable production is key

Your Background

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in fashion design/ footwear design / costume design/garment construction/Industrial Design
• 4+ years of experience in fashion design
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator required, Google programs such as Google Sheets, Google Docs, Gmail an asset
• Understanding of leather, footwear and accessory testing will be an asset
• Residence in or willing to relocate to Edmonton
• Able to travel internationally up to 4 weeks per year

Your Strengths

• Keen eye for fashion trends and brand building
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Self-motivated, passionate and able to work to deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong and clear communications skills. Spanish language is an asset.

Benefits

• Participation in a extended health and dental benefits package
• Employer RRSP matching, up to $10,000 per year
• Hybrid (home/office) work schedule and flexibility in hours
• Discounts on our awesome product
• Great co-workers, a fun working environment and opportunity for growth within the company

How to Apply

To submit an application, email a resume, cover letter and portfolio to kalie.johnston@poppybarley.com.

We thank all applications for taking the time to apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Uniqueness is powerful. Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for people and the planet, you will fit our team.