Overview:

Groupe Dynamite Inc. (GDI) is a Montréal-based, public company of integrated omni-channel brands, designing and distributing accessible, trend-forward fashion for women since 1975.

Our mission of "Empowering YOU to be YOU, one outfit at a time" is brought to life through the GARAGE and DYNAMITE banners and represents the consumer-centric core of GDI's long-standing success as a leading retailer in North America.

Today, GDI operates nearly 300 stores across Canada and the United States, as well as shoppable brand experiences at Garageclothing.com and Dynamiteclothing.com.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Fabric and Quality Control, the Fabric Specialist is responsible for maintaining a structured fabric development process that supports the design and brand direction of our collections. This role requires ensuring cross-functional collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to gain an in-depth understanding of new fabric requirements and adherence to production calendar timelines.

Main Responsibilities:

Fabric Sourcing and Development:

• Manage fabric sourcing and development from initial handoff to final approval;
• Ensure the delivery of quality, manufacturing-ready fabrics that align with aesthetic goals, sourcing requirements, as well as cost, quality, and testing standards;
• Specify aesthetic and technical details of new fabrics (construction, yarn, finishing) for suppliers to source or develop;
• Receive and evaluate all fabric submissions, provide relevant feedback, and present final options to Design teams for approval;
• Collaborate with the Sourcing Department to ensure geographically sound fabric development, allocating sourcing to preferred mills and suppliers;
• Promote the use of sustainable materials in fabric selection.

Technical Guidance:

• Provide technical fabric guidance to Merchandising, Design, and Sourcing teams to support the product development process.

Fabric Library Management:

• Create and manage a comprehensive fabric library;
• Share new developments across various commodities.

Testing and Quality Assurance:

• Request fabric testing from mills as needed to address potential issues (i.e., crocking, tensile strength, slippage, shrinkage);
• Ensure adopted fabrics meet quality requirements and proactively troubleshoot issues before bulk production.

Bulk Fabric Review:

• Conduct final reviews of fabric lots that do not meet all fabric standards to assess commercial acceptance.

Communication and Coordination:

• Communicate effectively with the Shanghai Regional Office (SRO) team to coordinate efforts in fabric development, adoption, and bulk approval;
• Collaborate with the Fabric and Quality Control Department for efficient process flow and to meet final garment quality requirements.

Qualifications:

• DEC or Bachelor Degree in Fashion Design, Business Administration, or related field; fabric specialization a plus;
• 5+ years of related experience, preferably in fabric and product development within the apparel industry;
• Extensive knowledge of fabric: yarns, constructions and finishes;
• Comprehensive understanding of fabric and garment production cycle;
• Knowledge of fabric testing and quality control;
• Experience working with overseas factories in a product development capacity;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suites;
• Knowledge of Bamboo Rose is a plus.

At GDI, you will be part of a growing organization that understands the importance of investing in people and offers you:

• A comprehensive compensation package that includes performance-driven bonuses;
• A group retirement savings program with employer matching;
• Flexible group insurance with personalized coverage that meets your needs;
• An employee discount at Garage and Dynamite;
• Exclusive private sample sales;
• A flexible vacation policy;
• And more!

GDI has been repeatedly voted one of Montréal’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

Our promise… No day will be like the last—we aim to be better today than we were yesterday. We are committed to employment equity.

Candidates that are retained will be called for an interview.

#LI-NR1