Product Development and Sourcing Specialist (6-Month Contract)
About the role
Established in 1973, Roots is a proudly Canadian lifestyle brand that celebrates authenticity, quality, and community. Inspired by the great outdoors, we create timeless, sustainable apparel and leather goods designed for comfort and everyday adventure. At Roots, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and teamwork – where every team member plays a role in shaping our brand’s legacy. If you bring passion to everything you do, lead with integrity, and believe in the power of collaboration to drive growth, we’d love to have you on our journey!
Nature & Scope → Your Role at Roots
The Product Development & Sourcing Specialist *6-month contract* will be responsible for managing the development & sourcing process by collaborating closely with Design, Materials Merchandising, Technical Design, Buyers and Vendors. The role ensures that design integrity, product quality, and target price are maintained and that products are developed on schedule and delivered within the allocated timeline.
Key Responsibilities → How You’ll Make an Impact
- Work in partnership with Design from initial concept to maintaining product lifecycle
- Work in partnership with Design and Technical Development to ensure the construction supports the fit and aesthetic of the product
- Collaborate on technical packages in PLM, focusing on BOM, and T/pkg updates for production
- Propose changes and development/ production perspectives to improve products and ensure successful commercialization
- Communicate all style development progress to the vendor keeping them updated and addressing concerns to ensure accurate production and delivery of the product
- Facilitate an effective and accurate costing process, including cost negotiation and delivery of 1st protos, while achieving the Target IMO
- Perform root cause analysis and communicate finding, recommending solutions to resolve issues
- Anticipate and identify potential obstacles and issues from all aspects of development
- Manage Product Sample and Mockup deliverables for SMS Meetings
- Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with design, TD and merchandising regarding changes / discrepancies / on time delivery etc.
- Responsible for final and accurate Tech Packs to vendor
- Adhere to company’s product calendar by solving production issues to meet calendar timelines Management of POs & POCNs
- Communicate all style development progress to the vendor keeping them updated and addressing concerns to ensure accurate delivery of the product
- Anticipate and identify potential obstacles and issues from all aspects of development, costing & delivery
Qualifications & Experience → The Skills You Bring
- 5 years’ experience in apparel product development
- Knowledge of garment construction and ability to communicate effectively with factories
- Strong organizational skills-able to access accurate information as needed
- Strong communication skills verbal and written - gives concise and focused information
- Excellent time management skills - ability to adhere to calendar deadlines and manage workflow accordingly
- Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with a diverse group of people
- Team player - ability to negotiate and build consensus across multiple functions. Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Office) and PLM data management system experience
At Roots we appreciate that skills and expertise are cultivated through a range of experiences. We are committed to reflecting Canada's diverse landscape in our products, team, and workplace culture. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every listed requirement. Accommodations are available for applicants throughout the recruitment process.
About Roots
Established in 1973, Roots is Canada’s leading lifestyle brand known around the world for its premium leather goods, apparel and accessories, with more than 120 retail locations in Canada and the United States, and more than 100 in Asia. Roots is not only a brand, we are a culture and lifestyle inspired by the open air. We are a team of people who share values focused on quality and integrity. We celebrate our heritage and authenticity and are proud of what we stand for. Our employees share this passion and seek opportunities to stretch their boundaries, learn new experiences and continue to grow their Roots.
Fondée en 1973, Roots la principale marque canadienne axée sur le « style de vie » et elle est reconnue dans le monde entier pour ses articles en cuir, ses vêtements sport et ses accessoires de qualité. Elle possède plus de 120 points de vente au Canada et aux États-Unis, et plus de 100 en Asie. Roots est bien plus qu’une simple marque, elle constitue une culture et un style de vie dont l’inspiration provient des grands espaces. Nous formons une équipe dont les valeurs sont fondées sur la qualité et l’intégrité. Nous rendons hommage à notre héritage et notre authenticité, et sommes fiers de ce que nous représentons. Nos employés sont animés par cette même passion et repoussent constamment leurs limites afin de vivre de nouvelles expériences et de s’épanouir.
Product Development and Sourcing Specialist (6-Month Contract)
About the role
Established in 1973, Roots is a proudly Canadian lifestyle brand that celebrates authenticity, quality, and community. Inspired by the great outdoors, we create timeless, sustainable apparel and leather goods designed for comfort and everyday adventure. At Roots, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and teamwork – where every team member plays a role in shaping our brand’s legacy. If you bring passion to everything you do, lead with integrity, and believe in the power of collaboration to drive growth, we’d love to have you on our journey!
Nature & Scope → Your Role at Roots
The Product Development & Sourcing Specialist *6-month contract* will be responsible for managing the development & sourcing process by collaborating closely with Design, Materials Merchandising, Technical Design, Buyers and Vendors. The role ensures that design integrity, product quality, and target price are maintained and that products are developed on schedule and delivered within the allocated timeline.
Key Responsibilities → How You’ll Make an Impact
- Work in partnership with Design from initial concept to maintaining product lifecycle
- Work in partnership with Design and Technical Development to ensure the construction supports the fit and aesthetic of the product
- Collaborate on technical packages in PLM, focusing on BOM, and T/pkg updates for production
- Propose changes and development/ production perspectives to improve products and ensure successful commercialization
- Communicate all style development progress to the vendor keeping them updated and addressing concerns to ensure accurate production and delivery of the product
- Facilitate an effective and accurate costing process, including cost negotiation and delivery of 1st protos, while achieving the Target IMO
- Perform root cause analysis and communicate finding, recommending solutions to resolve issues
- Anticipate and identify potential obstacles and issues from all aspects of development
- Manage Product Sample and Mockup deliverables for SMS Meetings
- Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with design, TD and merchandising regarding changes / discrepancies / on time delivery etc.
- Responsible for final and accurate Tech Packs to vendor
- Adhere to company’s product calendar by solving production issues to meet calendar timelines Management of POs & POCNs
- Communicate all style development progress to the vendor keeping them updated and addressing concerns to ensure accurate delivery of the product
- Anticipate and identify potential obstacles and issues from all aspects of development, costing & delivery
Qualifications & Experience → The Skills You Bring
- 5 years’ experience in apparel product development
- Knowledge of garment construction and ability to communicate effectively with factories
- Strong organizational skills-able to access accurate information as needed
- Strong communication skills verbal and written - gives concise and focused information
- Excellent time management skills - ability to adhere to calendar deadlines and manage workflow accordingly
- Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with a diverse group of people
- Team player - ability to negotiate and build consensus across multiple functions. Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Office) and PLM data management system experience
At Roots we appreciate that skills and expertise are cultivated through a range of experiences. We are committed to reflecting Canada's diverse landscape in our products, team, and workplace culture. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every listed requirement. Accommodations are available for applicants throughout the recruitment process.
About Roots
Established in 1973, Roots is Canada’s leading lifestyle brand known around the world for its premium leather goods, apparel and accessories, with more than 120 retail locations in Canada and the United States, and more than 100 in Asia. Roots is not only a brand, we are a culture and lifestyle inspired by the open air. We are a team of people who share values focused on quality and integrity. We celebrate our heritage and authenticity and are proud of what we stand for. Our employees share this passion and seek opportunities to stretch their boundaries, learn new experiences and continue to grow their Roots.
Fondée en 1973, Roots la principale marque canadienne axée sur le « style de vie » et elle est reconnue dans le monde entier pour ses articles en cuir, ses vêtements sport et ses accessoires de qualité. Elle possède plus de 120 points de vente au Canada et aux États-Unis, et plus de 100 en Asie. Roots est bien plus qu’une simple marque, elle constitue une culture et un style de vie dont l’inspiration provient des grands espaces. Nous formons une équipe dont les valeurs sont fondées sur la qualité et l’intégrité. Nous rendons hommage à notre héritage et notre authenticité, et sommes fiers de ce que nous représentons. Nos employés sont animés par cette même passion et repoussent constamment leurs limites afin de vivre de nouvelles expériences et de s’épanouir.