Lead, Fabric Developer

Canada Goose • Toronto, ON

24d • CA$73,000 - CA$102,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Fabric Developer is a senior technical leader responsible for driving innovative high-performance textile development that aligns with design intent, sustainability goals, cost targets and commercialisation. Acting as a key link between strategy and execution, this role partners closely with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Product Development, Product Integrity, Compliance and Sustainability. As the senior technical resource within the team, the Team Lead provides day-to-day guidance, prioritisation support, and mentorship to Fabric Developers and Associate Developers, helping elevate technical capabilities and ensuring consistency in development practices. While the role has no direct reports, it serves as a subject matter expert and project leader across multiple material initiatives to ensure we deliver beautiful and performance driven product.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Textile Engineering, Material Engineering or a related discipline.
• 6-8 years of experience in performance woven fabric development with a strong lead towards Outerwear.
• Strong experience partnering directly with mills, fabric suppliers, and testing facilities.
• Demonstrated success leading complex material development and commercialization programs.
• Experience working within PLM and ERP systems; Centric PLM experience is considered an assets
• Advanced technical knowledge of textile construction, dyeing, finishing, lamination, performance fabrics, and testing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and industry innovation trends.
• Proven ability to lead projects and influence stakeholders
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance innovation, performance, cost, and speed to market. Strong negotiation skills are required.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire collaboration and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong project leadership and task prioritization skills across multiple programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of technical woven fabric across multiple product categories from Concept to Commercialisation.
• Translate design direction and merchandising requirements into actionable fabric development briefs with clear aesthetic, performance, sustainability, and cost requirements.
• Drive fabric innovation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing new materials, constructions, yarns, finishes, and technologies.
• Assess risk and quality through the commercialisation process ensuring readiness and scalability of new fabric concepts.
• Lead technical discussions related to fabric construction, performance requirements with an in depth understanding of testing parameters.
• Serve as the day-to-day technical lead for Fabric Developers and Associate Developers, providing guidance, coaching, and support across development programs, ensuring alignment with seasonal timelines and quality expectations.
• Help prioritize workload and development activities to ensure alignment with seasonal calendars and business priorities.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor innovations, and material advancements to maintain best-in-class fabric offerings.
• Support fabric presentations, seasonal reviews, material showcases, and leadership updates.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure fabric aesthetics and technical requirements meet brand standards.
• Manage fabric development communication and performance discussions with mills and suppliers.
• Drive resourcing and counter-sourcing initiatives to optimize the material portfolio and quality alignment for the brand.
• Possess strong knowledge of testing methods and standards to support fabric development decisions.
• Collaborate closely with the Product Integrity & Compliance (PIC) team, who oversee testing protocols, interpret results, and manage material issue resolution and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of development activities in PLM and ERP systems and ensure data integrity.
• Track progress on seasonal development KPIs including adoption rate, cost efficiency, and lead-time adherence.
• Coordinate seasonal sample yardage and fabric requests in partnership with product development and sourcing.
• Oversee and maintain the fabric library to ensure materials are accurately archived, accessible, and aligned with seasonal and development needs.

Benefits

• A company built on Canadian roots and heritage
• Your work is recognized with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards Program
• Opportunities for career growth through numerous internal and external programs
• Recognize and be recognized by your peers with our Goose Rewards & ICON Rewards
• Be a part of CG Gives. Donation matching and paid volunteer time to help the organizations you care about
• Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health, embracing change and connecting with colleagues
• Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior