Design Leadership & Category Strategy

• Establish and lead the design strategy and creative direction for Womenswear, ensuring the category balances heritage, innovation, and performance-driven design to drive growth and consumer engagement.
• Develop and refine a multi-season product roadmap, ensuring that design innovation aligns with business goals, consumer insights, and evolving lifestyle trends.
• Ensure the Womenswear assortment is well-balanced, offering core essentials, seasonal innovations, and strategic newness that resonate with both casual and performance-oriented consumers.
• Collaborate with Menswear and Children's Wear teams to ensure a unified brand aesthetic across all categories while allowing for distinct design expressions.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Execution

• Work closely with Merchandising to align design vision with assortment architecture, pricing strategy, and sales objectives.
• Partner with Marketing and Visual Merchandising to ensure that product storytelling and seasonal messaging translate effectively across retail, e-commerce, and campaign activations.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Sourcing to ensure that materials, construction, and manufacturing processes uphold Roots' standards for quality, sustainability, and durability.
• Partner with Retail & Consumer Insights teams to analyze customer feedback, sales data, and return rates, using insights to refine fit, fabric, and style offerings.
• Support and contribute to brand initiatives, collaborations, and special projects that elevate the brand's presence and cultural relevance.

Innovation, Fabric Development & Sustainability

• Champion a fabric-first approach to Womenswear, working closely with the R&D and Sourcing teams to develop materials that enhance performance, comfort, and longevity.
• Identify opportunities for new fabric innovations, moisture-wicking technologies, stretch and recovery, thermoregulation, and all-weather protection, aligning with the brand's expanding performance apparel offerings.
• Ensure product offerings align with seasonal climate considerations and versatile layering needs, supporting a year-round wardrobe solution for customers.
• Maintain a focus on craftsmanship and timeless design, reinforcing Roots' reputation for high-quality, functional pieces.

Fit, Function & Performance-Driven Design

• Lead ongoing fit evaluations and refinement processes in partnership with the Technical Design team, ensuring consistent fit and functionality across all Womenswear styles.
• Incorporate customer insights, product testing, and competitive benchmarking to enhance comfort, durability, and technical innovation.
• Ensure that the collection is inclusive and size-diverse, addressing the needs of a broad consumer base while maintaining the brand's design integrity.
• Expand performance apparel offerings with a focus on comfort-driven, versatile, and functional designs that support a modern active lifestyle.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Womenswear design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
• Oversee talent development, performance management, and succession planning, ensuring the team is set up for long-term success.
• Encourage a cross-functional mindset, ensuring seamless collaboration between the Menswear, Children's Wear, and Product teams.
• Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and research, encouraging the team to stay ahead of industry trends, sustainability practices, and consumer behavior shifts.

• 10+ years of experience in multi-category Women's design, including outerwear, activewear, and lifestyle apparel.
• Experience in performance apparel design is strongly preferred, with expertise in integrating technical innovation, functional materials, and ergonomic fit solutions.
• Proven leadership experience in guiding and developing design teams within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Strong ability to translate consumer insights, market trends, and brand identity into a compelling and differentiated product assortment.
• Deep understanding of garment construction, fit development, and fabric innovation, with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PLM, and 3D design software (CLO3D or Browzwear preferred).
• Ability to balance creative vision with business strategy, ensuring that design solutions meet both aesthetic and commercial goals.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate design concepts and strategy to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Passion for the outdoor lifestyle, heritage craftsmanship, and functional fashion.