Designer (Apparel)

Position Summary

Mad Engine Global is seeking a creative, trend-driven, and commercially minded Apparel Designer to join our Canada Design team. This role is responsible for designing innovative apparel collections for licensed, branded, and private label programs across multiple product categories and major Canadian retailers.

The Apparel Designer will lead the creative development process from concept through production-ready artwork, partnering closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Sales, Licensing and Production to deliver compelling products that align with customer expectations, market trends, and brand standards.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of apparel construction, garment development, fabrications, graphics, color, and silhouette trends, combined with excellent technical skills and the ability to manage multiple seasonal calendars in a fast-paced wholesale environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Apparel Design

• Design seasonal apparel collections across men's, women's, youth, kids licensed and/or private brand product categories, depending on business needs.
• Develop innovative concepts that align with customer objectives, market trends, and brand positioning.
• Create original designs, color palettes and garment concepts for licensed and private label collections.
• Research fashion, color, fabrication, and consumer trends to inspire seasonal product direction.
• Interpret customer briefs into commercially successful apparel collections.
• Ensure all designs meet Mad Engine Global quality standards and retailer expectations.

Product Development Collaboration

• Partner closely with Product Development throughout the product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Participate in seasonal line planning, assortment development, and product presentations.
• Collaborate on fabric selection, trims, washes, embellishments, and garment construction details.
• Review development samples and recommend design improvements.
• Participate in fit sessions and product review meetings as needed.
• Support seasonal product revisions based on customer, retailer, or licensor feedback.

Technical Design Support

• Create detailed Illustrator flats and technical sketches.
• Prepare presentation boards, line sheets, and customer-facing design materials.
• Support the creation of tech packs and design specifications in partnership with Product Development.

Licensed Brand Management

• Design within established brand guidelines while bringing fresh and innovative ideas to each collection.
• Incorporate licensor comments and revisions while maintaining design integrity.
• Ensure all artwork complies with licensing standards and legal requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Merchandising, Product Development, Production, Licensing and Sourcing teams.
• Participate in customer meetings and seasonal presentations when required.
• Maintain strong working relationships across multiple departments.

Trend & Market Research

• Continuously research fashion, retail, licensing, and consumer trends.
• Analyze competitive products across Canadian and international markets.
• Present trend research and seasonal inspiration to internal stakeholders.
• Recommend new product opportunities based on evolving market demands.

Process & Organization

• Maintain organized digital files and seasonal archives.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting seasonal milestones and deadlines.
• Ensure artwork accuracy, version control, and timely completion of deliverables.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and creative workflows.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of apparel design experience within wholesale, licensed products, or private label.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating apparel design, graphics, color development, and trend interpretation.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims, washes, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent illustration, color, typography, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Highly collaborative with exceptional attention to detail.

Preferred

• Experience designing for Canadian mass retail, specialty retail, or department stores.
• Experience working with licensed consumer brands.
• Experience with PLM systems and digital product management tools.
• Knowledge of print production and embellishment techniques.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and vendor partners.
• Familiarity with sustainable materials and responsible product development practices.

Technical Skills

• Adobe Illustrator (Advanced)
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Microsoft Office Suite
• PLM systems (preferred)
• CAD illustration
• Technical flats
• Color development
• Trend forecasting
• Digital presentation software

Key Competencies

• Creative Vision
• Trend Forecasting
• Apparel Design Expertise
• Commercial Product Development
• Brand Storytelling
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Focus
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Organization
• Presentation Skills
• Innovation

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site position based in Toronto, Ontario.
• Collaborative creative studio environment supporting multiple brands and retail customers.
• Ability to manage multiple seasonal calendars and shifting priorities.
• Occasional overtime may be required during seasonal development and customer presentation periods.
• Occasional travel for customer meetings, trend research, market visits, trade shows, or vendor collaboration may be required.

Why Join Mad Engine Global?

At Mad Engine Global, creativity and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. As a global leader in licensed and branded apparel, we partner with some of the world's most recognizable brands and leading retailers to deliver trend-right, high-quality products to consumers. Joining our Canada Design team means collaborating with talented professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your creativity, commercial insight, and passion for apparel design will directly influence products sold across major retail channels. You'll have the opportunity to grow your career while helping shape innovative collections that bring iconic brands to life.