Design Project Lead

Spinrite is the largest craft yarn and sewing thread company in North America. As an industry leader focused on driving growth and execution excellence, we are looking for a Design Project Lead to join our growing Design team.

Reporting to the Creative Design Manager, this individual will be responsible for leading the timeline and organizational aspects of the Design Team . This includes liaising with the Creative, Brand, Product Development and Digital Teams to facilitate asset development and increase efficiencies in all processes. Additionally, this role will manage and oversee the Coordinators and Freelancers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage Yarn and Project Coordinator role(s)
• Manage Freelancers (including onboarding new freelancers as required and ensuring contracts are signed and invoices are submitted)
• Manage Homeworker processes (including supporting onboarding new Homeworkers as required, ensuring contracts are signed, and accounts are set up with Account Payable (AP))
• Manage Yarn Evaluation Forms (YEF) process and Tool & Kit Testing including final gauge/quality communication to PD Team Leads
• Support YEF and Tool & Kit testing by also critiquing and aiding in development of new yarns and products by sample stitching to assess quality, experience, and final specifications from a consumer-focused perspective.
• Manage swatch process including PD, Brand, and Sales Teams swatch requirements for major meetings, retailers, etc. while ensuring to maintain an organized Swatch Pattern Library.
• Lead budgeting and invoicing and deliver reports to Creative Design Manager (including managing, tracking, and submitting invoices, etc.)
• Lead collaborations with Brand Teams, Creative Teams, and Designers . Track and organize assets including shoot schedules, pattern file deadlines, proofing, photography re-production meetings (prepros) and AirTable updates, etc.
• Manage timelines and processes for Product Development collaborations including Shade Development, Product Development, etc.
• Lead collaborations with Digital Social Team to ensure Designers are kept up to date on influencer content calendar, Influencer’s pattern editing and proofing, etc.
• Lead collaborations with Digital and Creative Teams and Designers for video pattern support, Facebook Live events, social video support, WIP images, etc.
• Lead collaborations with Digital Ycom Team for SKU creation and general website/page updates requiring designer expertise.
• Lead Design Team pattern correction process and integrate addressing feedback from Consumer Support Team and web site reviews.
• Lead Bi-weekly Design Meetings to ensure Design Team is on track for all asset deadlines.
• Ensure timely information is readily accessible to team in Air Table, Sharepoint, etc. for all above and as required.
• Aiding the team in additional tasks as necessary to meet deadlines and complete deliverables.

Qualifications:

• Passion for yarn crafts of all kinds is mandatory.
• Creative problem-solving skills, highly organized work methods and excellent multi-tasking skills are essential.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft and Adobe Creative Suite software or equivalent using Apple systems.
• Knowledgeable of project management software (AirTable or equivalent)
• Knowledge/experience and eagerness to learn knitting and/or crochet skills.
• Previous professional experience managing group timelines essential.
• Previous managerial experience preferred.
• Previous professional experience in Project Management preferred.
• Previous professional experience in process development and implementation an asset
• College or University Diploma / Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, or another technical field is beneficial, but not essential.
• College or University Diploma / Degree in Fashion / Interior / Textiles or another artistic field is beneficial, but not essential.

Spinrite is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and all applicants for employment without regard to any status protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and applicable state law. If you need assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please contact us at 519-291-3780 and ask to be transferred to HR.