We’re RCL - Reitmans Canada Limited. We’ve been part of the fabric of Canada’s fashion landscape since 1926, and today, we’re elevating our iconic brands – Reitmans, RW&CO, and PENN. Penningtons – more than ever before.
Our vision is to empower Canadians to live confidently, and our mission is to create collections of uncompromising style and quality for all.
With close to 400 stores nationwide and collections designed right here at home, in Canada, we offer an exceptional customer experience. What drives us? A clear vision, unwavering commitment to our customers, and the passion of our thousands of employees across the country.
Job DescriptionThe Opportunity
Great design starts with a point of view — and the right material can change everything.
As Senior Designer, Fabric & Concept for the PENN.Penningtons brand, you’ll help shape what’s next, bringing together concept, fabric, color, innovation and product.
You’ll be the Design team’s material expert and creative connector — someone who understands where fashion is going, what our customer will want next, and how new fabrics, yarns, textures, finishes and techniques can unlock new possibilities.
Working closely with the Design Director, Senior Designers, Global Sourcing, you’ll connect creative ambition with material innovation and production expertise.
This is a role for someone with a strong fashion instinct, deep textile knowledge and genuine curiosity about what’s next.
What You’ll Shape
Define the Material Vision
- Build and continuously evolve the PENN.Penningtons brand’s seasonal and long-term direction across fabrics, yarns, trims, textures and craftsmanship.
- Partner with the Design Director and Senior Designers to bring brand DNA and seasonal stories to life through material.
- Stay ahead of textile innovation, new technologies and emerging mill capabilities — and turn them into opportunities for the brand.
Turn Concept Into Product
- Partner with the Design Director and Senior Designers to shape seasonal concepts from research through rollout.
- Build compelling concept previews, seasonal strategies and creative presentations.
- Identify macro and micro trends that matter to our customer and translate them into relevant ideas.
- Bring newness through material, color, texture, craftsmanship and emerging techniques.
- Create a clear creative thread from inspiration to product.
Connect Design + Global Sourcing
You’ll be the bridge between what we imagine and what we can create.
- Lead the Design team’s material partnership with Global Sourcing.
- Consolidate material needs across categories and turn them into clear, actionable sourcing briefs.
- Communicate creative direction and product needs clearly with international partners.
- Identify priorities early to support development, sampling, costing and production.
Elevate the Team
- Be a source of material knowledge, inspiration and new thinking for the Design team.
- Bring clarity and a strong point of view to design reviews and presentations.
- Anticipate what the brand will need next — not just what it needs today.
- Help create a culture where knowledge fuels creativity.
The Intelligence You Bring
Fashion + Concept — You spot what’s changing and know how to make it relevant for the PENN.Penningtons customer.
Textile + Material — You understand how fabric feels, behaves, performs and transforms a garment.
Color — You understand how color, material, texture and finish work together.
Silhouette — You know fabric and fit are inseparable, and how material influences drape, structure, movement and proportion.
Customer — You understand their lifestyle, expectations and what will make product feel new, desirable and right for them.
What You Bring
- Degree or diploma in Fashion Design or a related field.
- 8+ years of fashion design experience, with expertise in fabrics, textiles and apparel development.
- Strong fashion instinct, creative point of view and understanding of fit and silhouette.
- Bilingual in French and English, with strong communication and presentation skills.
- Curious, collaborative and always looking for what’s next.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Ultimate Flexibility*: Enjoy a hybrid work environment that ensures the perfect balance between work and personal life.
- Well-Being First: Access a comprehensive benefits program designed to take care of you.
- Flexible Time Off*: Paid leave, sick days, and vacation time to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.
- Exclusive Discounts*: Enjoy 50% off regular-priced items from PENN. Penningtons, Reitmans, and RW&CO.
- Referral Rewards*: Refer your professional network and earn a bonus for helping us grow our talented team
- Growth opportunities*: Annual bonuses, career advancement, and tuition reimbursement to help you reach your professional goals.
*Certain conditions apply
Total rewards are aligned with your employment status, offering different perks depending on whether you're full-time, part-time, or under contract.
Reitmans (Canada) Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace where everyone belongs. If you are contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation required throughout the recruitment process. All information provided will be kept confidential and used solely to support an accessible candidate's experience.
The use of Artificial Intelligence may be used for candidate screening purposes.
We thank all applicants. Only selected candidates will be contacted.
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Skills Required
- Degree or diploma in Fashion Design or related field
- 8+ years of fashion design experience with expertise in fabrics, textiles and apparel development
- Deep textile and material knowledge (fabrics, yarns, trims, textures, finishes, techniques)
- Strong fashion instinct and creative point of view
- Understanding of fit, silhouette, drape and how material influences garment performance
- Color knowledge and ability to combine color, material, texture and finish
- Bilingual in French and English with strong communication and presentation skills
- Experience partnering with sourcing/manufacturing and international suppliers
- Trend identification and concept-to-product development skills
- Collaborative mindset and curiosity about textile innovation
What We Do
Why Reitmans (Canada) Limited At RCL (as we affectionately call ourselves), every moment of every day revolves around our customers and our love of fashion. We believe fashion empowers our customers to put their best foot forward when it matters the most. From the design table to the stores, we are always finding new ways to create memorable experiences, backed by a strong brand portfolio and powered by the most passionate people in the industry. We are proud of our almost one hundred years of history as Canada’s fashion retail icon, and we have a remarkable story to tell. Operating under three flagship brands – Reitmans, PENN. and RW&CO. – we thrive by demonstrating our passion for fashion. Our innovation and drive to constantly raise the bar on customer experience is complemented by our dedicated and talented team – our most important asset. Being RCL is all about caring for our people, working collaboratively and authentically, while inspiring performance. Our values come to life through the passionate people we hire, the charities we support and business relationships we create both in Canada and abroad. Come fashion your new career with us careers.smartrecruiters.com/ReitmansCanadaLteLtd/en
