Designer - Accessories

Reitmans (Canada) Limited; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible time off

Exclusive discounts

Referral rewards

Annual bonuses

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

RW&CO., part of Reitmans (Canada) Limited, is seeking an Accessories Designer to shape our men's and women's accessory collections. You’ll design handbags, leather goods and winter accessories, delivering a premium yet wearable look that reflects our evolving brand.

Reporting to the Senior Designer, you’ll develop sketches, tech packs and production specs, and collaborate with Buying, vendors and cross‑functional partners to move concepts from idea to final product.

Qualifications

• Experience in fashion or accessories design, ideally with handbags, leather goods, or winter accessories.
• Strong eye for product, refined taste, and appreciation for materials, craftsmanship, and quality.
• Ability to translate creative concepts into detailed sketches, technical packages, and production-ready specifications.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop), with an interest in AI-powered design tools.
• Understanding of product development, materials, construction, and vendor collaboration.
• Creative, curious, and adaptable mindset with a passion for evolving products and ideas.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage priorities across teams.
• Ability to communicate in French and English with vendors/partners outside Canada.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop men's and women's accessories collections, including handbags, leather goods, and winter accessories.
• Elevate product with refined details and a premium aesthetic for RW&CO.'s signature accessories.
• Develop sketches, technical packages, specifications, and product details to guide development from concept to production.
• Work closely with the Senior Designer, Buying team, and vendors throughout product development, sampling, and approvals.
• Research trends, materials, colours, finishes, and market innovations to stay relevant.
• Explore new design approaches, including AI-powered tools, to evolve design processes.
• Ensure accessories complement our men's and women's apparel assortments and reflect a cohesive brand vision.

Skills

Fashion/accessories design

Creative mindset

Strong organizational skills

Communication across teams

French/English communication

Education

Bachelors (not specified)

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

For 100 years, Reitmans (Canada) Limited (RCL) has defined the Canadian retail fashion landscape with its three iconic brands, Reitmans, RW&CO. and PENN. Penningtons. We're excited about what we’ll build together next.

Our vision is to empower Canadians to live confidently, and our mission is to create collections of uncompromising style and quality for all.

We believe great people do their best work alongside other great people. Here, you’ll have a voice, be challenged to grow and be part of a team driven by curiosity, bold thinking and ownership.

Come raise the bar of Canadian fashion with us.

Job Description

Are you passionate about accessories, have a great eye for detail, and love creating products that elevate an entire look? Do you enjoy combining creativity with craftsmanship to bring fresh ideas to life?

At RW&CO., we're looking for an Accessories Designer to help shape the next chapter of our men's and women's accessories collections.

From leather handbags and small leather goods to winter accessories, you'll play an important role in designing and developing signature pieces that reflect our brand's evolving aesthetic. We're looking for someone with a refined sense of style, an appreciation for quality, and a fresh perspective on how to elevate our collections with a more premium feel.

Reporting to the Senior Designer, you'll collaborate closely with Buying, vendors, and cross-functional partners to bring your ideas from concept to finished product.

This is an exciting opportunity to make your mark, explore new creative directions, and help evolve the way we design accessories at RW&CO.

What You'll Do

• Design with purpose: Create and develop men's and women's accessories collections, including handbags, leather goods, and winter accessories, with a focus on style, quality, and versatility.
• Elevate the product: Bring fresh ideas, refined details, and a premium aesthetic to help shape RW&CO.'s signature accessories.
• Bring ideas to life: Develop sketches, technical packages, specifications, and product details to guide development from concept to production.
• Partner from start to finish: Work closely with the Senior Designer, Buying team, and vendors throughout product development, sampling, and approvals.
• Stay inspired: Research trends, materials, colours, finishes, and market innovations to create relevant, distinctive collections.
• Champion new ideas: Explore new design approaches, including AI-powered creative tools, to evolve design processes and bring fresh perspectives.
• Connect the collections: Ensure accessories complement our men's and women's apparel assortments and reflect a cohesive brand vision.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• Experience in fashion or accessories design, ideally with exposure to handbags, leather goods, or winter accessories.
• A strong eye for product, refined taste, and an appreciation for materials, craftsmanship, and quality.
• Ability to translate creative concepts into detailed sketches, technical packages, and production-ready specifications.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop), with an interest in using AI-powered design tools to enhance creativity and efficiency.
• Understanding of product development, materials, construction, and vendor collaboration.
• A creative, curious, and adaptable mindset, with a passion for evolving products and exploring new ideas.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities and collaborate across teams.
• Ability to communicate in French and English to work with vendors and partners outside Canada.

Why This Role?

Accessories are an exciting opportunity to further elevate the RW&CO. brand, and this role offers the chance to help define a distinctive signature across our men's and women's collections.

You’ll work closely with an experienced Senior Designer, contribute to the development of standout products, and bring a fresh perspective to a category with room to evolve.

If you love thoughtful design, beautiful materials, and creating accessories that make a look feel complete, we'd love to meet you!

Additional Information

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.