Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to develop professional grade apparel that helps people stay and feel alive. Through insights drawn from living and working in the world’s harshest environments, the company has developed a long list of first-to-market innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics nearly 150 years ago. Other breakthroughs include the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s, the first technical base layers in the 1970s, made with LIFA® Stay Dry technology, the patented H2Flow™ temperature regulating system, and the revolutionary lighter, warmer LIFALOFT™ insulation. Building on Helly Hansen’s proprietary HELLY TECH® waterproof/breathable system, the technical outdoor brand has most recently introduced the award-winning LIFA INFINITY PRO™ - the company’s most innovative waterproof/breathable technology to date.
Helly Hansen is a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear. Its uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals and can be found on Olympians, National Teams, and at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations globally.
Helly Hansen’s outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear are sold in more than 40 countries around the world and the company is owned by Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC). To learn more about Helly Hansen’s latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.

EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in design and product development, preferably in the workwear or apparel industry.
• Strong portfolio showcasing innovative design work and successful product launches.
• Excellent knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes relevant to workwear.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficient in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD) and product lifecycle management tools.

THE ROLE

The role is responsible for overseeing the entire design and product development process, from concept to production, ensuring that our workwear product lines meet the needs of our customers while aligning with industry trends and safety standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership:
• Lead and mentor a team of designers, product developers, and technical designers.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages creativity and excellence.
• Staff responsibility incl resource planning, staff evaluation and goal setting, annual reviews, vacation and expense approval.
• Design Strategy:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy that reflects the brand’s vision and meets market demands.
• Align design and development execution with commercial and strategic goals set by CVP and PM.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, customer preferences, and competitive analysis in the workwear sector.
• Responsible for design and development processes, timeline creation and resource allocation.
• Product Development:
• Oversee the product development process, from initial concept sketches to final production.
• To lead and support the development and design process according to allocation, brief, timelines, company quality standards and certifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and production, to ensure timely and successful product launches.
• Quality and Compliance:
• Ensure all products meet industry standards for quality, safety, and compliance.
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to maintain high production standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Present design strategy, concepts and product lines to senior management and stakeholders for approval.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry partners, including fabric suppliers and manufacturers.