Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: La Maison Simons

Location: Quebec City, QC, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Leadership / Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and artistic direction for exclusive fashion collections, ensuring alignment with La Maison Simons' brand identity and market position.

• Manage and mentor a team of talented designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture focused on design excellence and innovation.

• Drive product development across key design pillars – fashion, fit, fabric, and finish – integrating sustainable practices and emerging textile trends.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Buying, Marketing, Technical Development, and Manufacturing to ensure cohesive and commercially successful product launches.

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer behavior to inform strategic design decisions and optimize the creative process for efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Design Director," its emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, process optimization, and data-informed decision-making positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational strategy framework. The core responsibilities involve translating creative vision into commercially viable products, requiring strong operational oversight of the design lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the overarching artistic direction and create mood boards in close collaboration with the VP of Design and cross-functional teams.

• Inspire, guide, and mentor a team of designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the consistent creation of high-value, distinctive collections.

• Ensure product excellence by focusing on the four pillars of design: fashion (style and aesthetics), fit (wearability and sizing), fabric (material quality and innovation), and finish (craftsmanship and detailing).

• Integrate cutting-edge trends and innovations in textiles, materials, and embellishments, with a strong emphasis on aligning with and advancing the company's sustainability goals.

• Collaborate closely with Buying, Marketing, Technical Development, and Manufacturing departments to guarantee consistency across silhouettes, prints, and color palettes, ensuring a unified brand message.

• Analyze sales performance, current fashion trends, and customer behavior patterns to inform design decisions and proactively adapt the product offering.

• Oversee project timelines and actively contribute to the ongoing optimization of the creative design process, identifying bottlenecks and implementing efficiency improvements.

• Foster a culture of strong collaboration, continuous mentorship, and high performance within the design team, promoting a shared commitment to excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "contribute to the ongoing optimization of the creative process" indicates a need for operational thinking beyond pure design. This suggests the role requires an understanding of workflow efficiency, resource allocation, and process improvement within a creative context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Management, Graphic Design, Product Design, or any other relevant field.

• Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree, demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and industry application. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fashion design.

• At least 4 years of dedicated experience in a leadership and team management role, demonstrating the ability to guide and develop creative talent.

• Proven track record in developing and launching successful fashion collections that align with brand strategy and market demands. Required Skills:

• Expertise in women’s fashion, with a deep understanding of current market trends, emerging styles, and evolving consumer preferences.

• Exceptional artistic vision and a keen eye for detail in aesthetics, silhouette, color, and material selection.

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, including mentorship, performance management, and fostering a positive team dynamic.

• Proficiency in defining artistic direction, developing mood boards, and translating creative concepts into tangible product designs.

• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainable fashion practices and the ability to integrate them effectively into the design and product development lifecycle.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both French and English, essential for effective collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data, market research, and customer feedback to inform design strategies.

• Proficiency in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Buying, Marketing, Technical Development, and Manufacturing, to ensure cohesive product execution. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international sourcing and manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with design software and digital design tools relevant to fashion.

• A strong understanding of retail operations and the impact of design on commercial success.

• Experience in brand building and maintaining a consistent brand identity through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for bilingualism (French and English) is a critical operational requirement for effective communication across all levels of the organization in Canada, particularly in Quebec. The emphasis on "sustainable fashion practices" highlights a growing operational imperative in the fashion industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a strong command of women's fashion design, illustrating a clear evolution of style and technical execution over a minimum of 10 years.

• Include case studies of successful collection developments, highlighting your role in defining artistic direction, integrating market trends, and achieving commercial success.

• Present examples of how you have mentored and led design teams, with evidence of fostering growth and achieving collective creative goals.

• Showcase your understanding of the full product lifecycle, from concept and trend forecasting to material sourcing, technical development, and final product delivery.

• Provide evidence of integrating sustainable practices into design processes, including material choices, production methods, and waste reduction strategies. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to defining and documenting artistic direction, including mood board creation, concept sketching, and trend forecasting methodologies.

• Detail your strategies for optimizing the design workflow, from initial ideation through to final sample approval, emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.

• Present examples of how you have managed design timelines and project schedules, ensuring on-time delivery of collections for seasonal launches.

• Describe your methods for collaborating with technical development and manufacturing teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, a portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and an understanding of operational processes within the fashion industry. The expectation is to see how the candidate has managed the design lifecycle from concept to market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director with 10+ years of experience in fashion, particularly in Canada, the estimated annual salary range in Quebec City is between CAD $110,000 and $160,000. This range can vary based on the depth of experience, specific leadership accomplishments, and the candidate's ability to demonstrate significant impact on commercial success and brand development. Benefits:

• Telemedicine Service: Access to remote medical consultations, providing convenient healthcare support.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families to address personal and work-related challenges.

• Group Insurance Plan: Comprehensive health and dental coverage, often including vision and prescription drug benefits.

• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): Company-sponsored retirement savings plan, potentially with employer matching contributions, to support long-term financial planning.

• Employee Discount: A significant discount of up to 40% on La Maison Simons purchases, offering substantial savings on fashion and home goods.

• Work-Life Balance Support: The company emphasizes employee well-being and recognizes significant life milestones, suggesting a supportive work environment.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment standards. Flexibility may be expected during peak design and production periods, with a focus on achieving project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from various Canadian job boards and salary aggregators for senior design leadership roles in the retail and fashion sectors, adjusted for the Quebec City location and the specified experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Apparel Manufacturing & Design

Company Size: La Maison Simons is a well-established company, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category, with a significant retail footprint and a dedicated head office. This size implies a structured environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and potential for significant impact.

Founded: 1840. With a history spanning over 180 years, La Maison Simons has a deep-rooted heritage in fashion and retail. This longevity suggests a stable organization with a strong understanding of its market, a commitment to its brand values, and a culture that likely balances tradition with innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report to the Vice-President of Design, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design department.

• The role involves managing a "team of talented designers," suggesting a direct leadership scope over a creative group.

• Close collaboration is expected with Buying, Marketing, Technical Development, and Manufacturing teams, highlighting a matrixed, cross-functional operational structure that is common in product-driven retail organizations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires analyzing sales, trends, and customer behavior, indicating a data-informed approach to creative decision-making.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis is placed on working closely with various departments to ensure cohesive and commercially successful collections.

• Process Optimization: The responsibility to contribute to the optimization of the creative process points to a continuous improvement mindset within the design operations.

• Sustainability Integration: A commitment to integrating sustainable fashion practices is a core methodology.

Company Website: https://www.simons.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on "accessible and inspired fashion" suggest a culture that values both quality and creativity, while remaining attuned to customer needs and market dynamics. The emphasis on "cultivating creativity" and "building meaningful relationships" points to a people-centric and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level within the creative and product development function. It requires a blend of strategic vision, creative direction, people management, and operational oversight of the design process. It sits at the intersection of creative excellence and commercial viability, influencing the core product offering of the company.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports directly to the Vice-President of Design, indicating a direct line of responsibility and a key role in executing the broader design strategy. They will, in turn, lead and develop a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's decisions have a direct and substantial impact on La Maison Simons' revenue and market position. By shaping exclusive collections, they influence product desirability, brand perception, sales performance, and customer loyalty. Effective management of the design process also contributes to operational efficiency, cost control, and timely product delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential to advance to VP of Design or other senior leadership roles within the company's creative or merchandising functions.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to take on broader strategic responsibilities related to brand vision, market expansion, and innovation in product development.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to and potential leadership in other GTM functions through deep collaboration with Buying, Marketing, and Merchandising.

• Sustainability Leadership: Opportunity to become a recognized leader in sustainable fashion practices within the organization and potentially the broader industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for driving the company's unique selling proposition through its exclusive collections. Growth opportunities extend beyond pure design, touching on broader business strategy and operational leadership within the GTM ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at the Head Office in Quebec City, QC, Canada. The head office likely serves as the central hub for design, merchandising, buying, marketing, and corporate functions.

Office Location(s): Quebec City, QC, Canada. This location provides a base within the company's historical home and operational center.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with various departments, suggesting an open and collaborative workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

• Creative Hub: As a head office, it likely houses the necessary resources and technology for design, including studios, material libraries, and potentially digital design tools.

• Team Interaction: The Design Director will be immersed in a team of designers and will have regular touchpoints with other creative and business units, fostering a dynamic work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the dynamic nature of fashion design and seasonal product launches may require occasional flexibility, longer hours, or weekend work during critical periods to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and the ability to physically interact with design materials and team members, which is often crucial in creative leadership roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Interview: Likely with the VP of Design or a senior HR representative to discuss your background, leadership philosophy, and initial understanding of La Maison Simons' brand. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and key achievements.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where you will present your portfolio, discuss specific case studies of successful collections you've led, and potentially undertake a design exercise or strategic problem-solving task related to brand direction or process optimization.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Buying, Marketing, Technical Development, and Manufacturing to assess collaboration style and understanding of their respective functions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive to discuss overall fit with the company culture and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver commercially successful and on-brand collections. Include examples of women's fashion design.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific role, the design process you followed, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., sales performance, trend integration, sustainability achievements).

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored designers, managed teams, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Address Sustainability: Explicitly showcase how you've integrated sustainable practices into your design work.

• Bilingual Presentation: Be prepared to present and discuss your portfolio in both English and French.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Immersion: Thoroughly research La Maison Simons' brand identity, target market, existing collections, and competitive landscape. Understand their unique selling propositions and aesthetic.

• Trend Forecasting: Be ready to discuss current and upcoming fashion trends, particularly in women's wear, and how they can be adapted for the Simons brand.

• Process Optimization: Prepare to discuss how you would approach optimizing the design process for efficiency, collaboration, and innovation within a company of Simons' size and structure.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing design teams, resolving creative conflicts, and driving consensus among stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to articulate your creative vision and leadership style, alongside your understanding of the operational aspects of bringing fashion collections to market. Demonstrating bilingual proficiency throughout the process is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating sketches, technical drawings, prints, and mood boards.

• PLM Systems (Product Lifecycle Management): Familiarity with PLM software (e.g., Centric PLM, Styleman, Lectra) for managing product data, specifications, timelines, and collaboration across the supply chain.

• 3D Design Software (Preferred): Experience with 3D design tools (e.g., Browzwear, CLO3D) for creating virtual prototypes, reducing physical sampling, and improving design visualization and fit.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from internal sales systems and potentially BI tools to understand product performance, customer preferences, and market trends.

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Familiarity with services like WGSN, Edited, or similar platforms for market intelligence and trend research.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, an understanding of how design impacts customer profiles and how marketing feedback (often derived from CRM data) informs design is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for managing design workflows and team tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director, the emphasis is on creative tools and systems that manage the product lifecycle. While direct CRM management isn't expected, understanding how design data integrates with customer data for business intelligence is valuable. Proficiency in tools that support sustainability initiatives (e.g., material databases, lifecycle assessment tools) is increasingly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the creation of distinctive and inspiring fashion collections. This translates to encouraging new ideas and approaches within the design team.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working together across departments (Buying, Marketing, Technical, Manufacturing) to achieve shared goals and ensure cohesive product development.

• Customer Centricity: Designing with the customer's needs, preferences, and evolving behaviors in mind, ensuring commercial relevance and desirability.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to excellence in all aspects of the product, from fabric selection and fit to finishing details.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: An integral part of the company's DNA, requiring designers to consider environmental and ethical impacts in their work.

• Respect & Well-being: A focus on the well-being of employees and fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and caring work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The design process is deeply integrated with other business functions. Expect regular meetings, shared feedback loops, and collaborative decision-making.

• Open Communication: Encouraged to foster a culture where ideas can be shared freely, and constructive feedback is given and received.

• Team-Oriented: The success of collections relies on the collective effort of the design team and their ability to work harmoniously with other departments.

• Mentorship Focus: The leadership style expected is one that actively develops and supports team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: La Maison Simons' stated values of creativity, community, and respect are central. For a Design Director, embodying these values means not only leading creative output but also fostering a positive and collaborative team environment that aligns with the company's long-standing heritage and modern outlook.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: The primary challenge is to consistently produce innovative and aesthetically compelling designs that also meet commercial targets and resonate with the target market.

• Integrating Sustainability: Evolving sustainable fashion practices and incorporating them seamlessly into the design process while maintaining aesthetic integrity and cost-effectiveness.

• Managing Diverse Creative Talent: Effectively leading and motivating a team of designers with varying styles and personalities, ensuring alignment with the brand's vision.

• Navigating Fast-Paced Trends: Staying ahead of rapidly changing fashion trends while maintaining a distinct brand identity and avoiding fleeting fads.

• Global Sourcing & Production Complexity: Understanding and managing the intricacies of international supply chains, including quality control, ethical sourcing, and timely production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to refine strategic leadership skills, influence company-wide creative direction, and mentor future design leaders.

• Sustainability Expertise: Deepen knowledge and influence in sustainable fashion, potentially leading initiatives or certifications.

• Cross-Functional Business Acumen: Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the retail business beyond design, including merchandising, marketing strategy, and supply chain operations.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent La Maison Simons at industry events, trade shows, or conferences, expanding professional networks and staying abreast of innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an excellent opportunity for a seasoned design leader to make a significant impact on a well-respected brand. The challenges are inherent to the fashion industry but offer substantial scope for professional development and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and evolve the artistic direction for La Maison Simons' exclusive women's collections over the next 3-5 years, considering current market trends and sustainability goals?" (Focus on strategic thinking, trend integration, and brand alignment).

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing creative visions within your team or with other departments. How did you reach a consensus and ensure a successful outcome?" (Focus on leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution).

• "Walk us through your process for integrating sustainable materials and practices into a fashion collection. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on operationalizing sustainability and problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about La Maison Simons' brand and its position in the market? How does your design philosophy align with our values of creativity, community, and respect?" (Focus on research, cultural fit, and genuine interest).

• "How do you foster a culture of mentorship and high performance within a design team? Provide examples of how you've helped designers grow their careers." (Focus on leadership style and people development).

• "How do you measure the success of a fashion collection beyond sales figures? What KPIs are important to you as a Design Director?" (Focus on performance metrics, data analysis, and strategic impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation around key projects, creating a compelling story of your journey and impact. Start with your overall philosophy and end with your vision for the future.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to support your claims. "This collection increased sales by X%," or "We reduced sample waste by Y% through Z process improvement."

• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with other departments. Use phrases like, "In collaboration with the Buying team, we identified a gap..." or "Working closely with Technical Development, we refined the fit..."

• Demonstrate Bilingualism: Be ready to articulate key points or answer specific questions in both French and English, showcasing your fluency and comfort in both languages.

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your design choices, process, and leadership approach. Listen carefully and provide thoughtful, well-reasoned answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily assess your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and ability to translate creative vision into tangible, commercially successful products within a collaborative, values-driven organization. Demonstrating a strong understanding of both design principles and operational execution is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position at La Maison Simons:

• Submit your application through the provided career portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight specific examples of women's fashion collections you've led, emphasizing your artistic direction, trend integration, and commercial success. Ensure it showcases your leadership and sustainability contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 10+ years of fashion design experience and a minimum of 4 years in leadership roles. Quantify achievements where possible, and explicitly mention your bilingual proficiency (French and English).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic approach to collection development. Prepare to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio and how you would address the challenges of this role.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research La Maison Simons' brand, values, current collections, and market positioning. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their unique selling propositions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.