Senior Manager, Product Development

Loblaw Companies Limited; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Manager of Product Development to lead a dynamic team focused on innovation and quality. This role is pivotal in driving product development by leveraging consumer insights and vendor strategies, ensuring high-quality, consumer-driven products. The ideal candidate will excel in a fast-paced retail environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet margin targets while maintaining product integrity. If you are passionate about fashion and thrive in a collaborative setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in a fashion-related role with team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of fabric content and garment construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Product Development team, ensuring alignment with goals.
• Collaborate with teams to achieve margin targets without compromising design.

Skills

Team Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Digital Literacy

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLM Software

Job description

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Founded in 2006, Joe Fresh is a leading source for modern style and accessible design, offering comprehensive lifestyle collections for men, women, and children. Joe Fresh delivers quality and compelling value across apparel, accessories, and footwear. Our collections are polished and sophisticated, focusing on essential designs that appeal to style-savvy consumers. With over 350 Joe Fresh departments nationwide, we are committed to building a talented team that champions collaboration, kindness, and inclusivity. Join us in our goal of helping Canadians Live Life Well.

We believe that compliance with laws is about doing the right thing. Upholding the law is part of our Code of Conduct – it reinforces what our customers and stakeholders expect of us.

Why is this role important:

The Senior Manager, Product Development leverages consumer insights, vendor strategies, and key trends—along with expertise in product construction and raw materials—to drive product development, innovation, and cost optimization. This role plays a critical part in fostering a collaborative and strategic approach throughout the product-to-market process. Partnering closely with internal teams—including design, sourcing, production, quality assurance, and merchandising—as well as external suppliers, you will ensure alignment on goals and expectations to deliver high-quality, consumer-driven products.

Job Posting Title:

Sr. Manager, Product Development

Role Mandate:

• Support the Product Development team throughout the development process while managing responsibilities as a Product Developer, ensuring adaptability to shifting business needs.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to achieve margin targets while maintaining product integrity.
• Manage key milestones and timelines, proactively communicating challenges and ensuring alignment with calendar deadlines.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a small Product Development team, providing coaching and fostering individual growth.
• Collaborate with Raw Materials, Sourcing, and Design teams to source and track fabrications, trims, and techniques for seasonal and future developments.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to achieve margin targets without compromising design integrity.
• Align vendor allocation with seasonal strategy and track totals by vendor to meet planned capacity.
• Maintain financial tracking to ensure cost targets are achieved.
• Present and represent the Product Development team in key meetings.
• Support the team in effectively presenting updates, priorities, and solutions in seasonal milestone meetings.
• Oversee cost negotiations within the team and with Sourcing partners, driving margin-focused solutions.
• Partner with Design to execute styles from initial concept through to production pass-off.
• Oversee sample preparation and material organization for meetings.
• Provide Product Development insights during fit sessions.
• Communicate with factories and follow-up on design development and style confirmation.
• Ensure vendors adhere to the Development Calendar through daily communication.
• Analyze sales data to inform decision-making.
• Facilitate team store visits and competitive shopping.

Role Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience in a fashion-related role.
• 5+ years of experience managing a team.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong digital literacy with proficiency in reports, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Advanced analytical and presentation skills, with the ability to provide insights and recommendations.
• Strong initiative and judgment in task coordination and prioritization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; PLM experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of fabric content and garment construction.
• Keen eye for design, detail, and style.
• Ability to work independently and maintain visibility and alignment.
• Highly organized with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Thrives in a diverse, dynamic environment.
• Excellent collaboration skills.

How You’ll Succeed:

At Joe Fresh, we seek great people to strengthen our culture. We value authenticity, trust, and connections. If you are open-minded, adaptable, and ready for challenges in a fast-paced retail environment, apply today.

We celebrate Canada's diversity and are committed to reflecting it in our products, team, and culture. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities during recruitment and employment.