We are looking for a passionate and solutions-focused individual to join our team as a Product Development Manager, Apparel & Textiles. Reporting to the Creative Director, this role owns the full product development lifecycle at MINI TIPI, from customer-driven concept through production-ready tech pack. The position is responsible for leading timeline management, cost viability evaluation, materials sourcing, regulatory compliance, and the operational structure of our product development function.

At MINI TIPI, you will join a team of passionate and talented individuals who make a meaningful impact. We prioritize work-life balance and your well-being, supporting the 'right to disconnect'. Enjoy Fridays ending at 2 pm, a 50% product discount, a competitive salary with an annual review, and a bright, clean, and fun local manufacturing work environment. Join us for a fulfilling career with a balanced lifestyle.

A typical day at MINI TIPI involves:

• Creating, owning, and maintaining technical product documentation and tech packs, including construction details and product specifications.
• Translating design intent and customer demand into production-ready products aligned with MINI TIPI’s aesthetic standards and commercial positioning.
• Identifying gaps in the current product offer based on customer feedback, care inquiries, and market trends, and proposing new developments to fill them.
• Oversee sample quality control from prototype through final approval, ensuring construction accuracy, fit, and workmanship.
• Building and maintaining development calendars, milestone trackers, and workback schedules from sampling through delivery.
• Monitoring development timelines across active projects, proactively flagging risks, and communicating blockers or decisions to management.
• Evaluating cost-per-unit at each stage of development to determine product viability against target margins and providing clear go/no-go recommendations.
• Recommending design modifications, construction methods, or material substitutions to improve manufacturability and cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Overseeing the sourcing and selection of new fabrics, trims, and hardware based on performance, durability, cost, and sustainability commitments.
• Tracking material lead times during development and sampling to ensure readiness for bulk ordering while monitoring supplier quality performance.
• Ensuring all new product developments meet applicable regulatory, labelling, and packaging requirements for Canadian and U.S. markets.
• Building, documenting, and continuously improving the processes, templates, and systems that structure the product development department.
  

We are looking for someone who has:

• A minimum of 3 to 5+ years of experience in apparel or textile product development, technical design, or a related product-focused role.
• A solid understanding of textile construction, fabric properties, garment construction, and manufacturing constraints.
• Proven ability to create, own, and maintain technical documentation and detailed tech packs.
• Experience with material sourcing, supplier communication, and costing at a commercial scale.
• Excellent proficiency and fluency in both French and English, written and spoken.
• Highly organized with strong project management, calendar management, and multi-project prioritization abilities.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator or other design/PD tools (preferred).
• A background in woven or knit textile categories, ideally with experience in recycled fibre or sustainable materials.
• Experience working with domestic (Canadian) production facilities and local manufacturing partners.
• The ability to move seamlessly between big-picture product strategy and the smallest construction specification.

What we offer our employees : 

• Competitive salary with annual review
• Work week ending at 2 pm on Fridays
• Right to disconnect mentality, no emails on personal phones
• Parking available at our Aylmer location
• Additional paid holiday (Easter Monday)
• Monthly meetings with a team-building activity
• 50% discount on products for all personal purchases for employees
• Voluntary retirement savings plan (VRSP), with employer contribution after 1 year
• Health and dental benefits
• Proud to produce a locally designed and manufactured product
• Involvement in the community
• Bright, clean, and fun work environment

How to Apply

If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team that is making a positive impact, we invite you to submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your skills, experiences, and why you're interested in joining MINI TIPI to emploi@minitipi.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!