Fashion Design Assistant

Company Overview

RCL - Reitmans Canada Limited has been shaping Canada’s fashion scene since 1926 through its brands Reitmans, RW&CO, and PENN. Penningtons. The company’s purpose is to help Canadians feel confident, while its mission focuses on delivering style and quality across its collections. With nearly 400 stores across the country and design work rooted in Canada, the organization emphasizes customer experience, commitment to shoppers, and the creativity of its employees.

Role Summary

RW&CO is seeking a creative Design Assistant with a strong interest in trends and product development. In this role, you will support the design team in shaping seasonal collections through research, sketching, sample coordination, and development follow-up. The position suits someone who enjoys working in a fast-moving, collaborative setting and has a keen sense of fashion.

Key Duties

• Develop fashion sketches and contribute to seasonal collection creation.
• Track fashion direction by researching trends, colours, fabrics, and silhouettes to generate fresh product concepts.
• Build mood boards, colour stories, collection presentations, merchandising boards, and line sheets.
• Oversee sample handling and follow up on fabric, trim, and product development matters with international suppliers.
• Keep collection boards current and make sure product details and design records are accurate and organized.
• Assist with fittings, product evaluations, and the full development cycle from concept through the final sample.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has more than 2 years of experience in fashion design, product development, or a comparable position. A diploma or degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline is required. You should have strong fashion illustration ability and be comfortable using Adobe Illustrator. Fluency in English and French is important for working with global suppliers and internal teams. Strong attention to trends, colour, styling, and detail, along with excellent organization and a proactive, team-oriented approach, are key.

Additional Information

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement designed to support work-life balance. The benefits package includes comprehensive coverage, paid leave, sick time, vacation, exclusive 50% discounts on regular-priced items from PENN. Penningtons, Reitmans, and RW&CO, referral bonuses, annual bonuses, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement, subject to certain conditions. Reward offerings vary based on employment status, and benefits may differ for full-time, part-time, and contract employees.

Reitmans (Canada) Limited is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. Applicants needing accommodation during recruitment are invited to share their needs, and all such information will be kept confidential. The company may use artificial intelligence for candidate screening. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time onsite position based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.