Product Developer, Special Projects and Speed (Apparel)

What you will do.

A day in the life of a Product Developer, Special Projects and Speed for apparel at The North Face looks a little like this.

You will develop apparel across a variety of product lines within the Performance and Lifestyle space. Ensuring alignment with the brand`s seasonal direction. Work in in parallel with all stakeholders and cross functional teams and partners to meet the global business needs of the TNF brand.

You will utilize your advanced technical skills and extreme attention to details to manage complexity in a fast passed environment. Identify, propose and activate best solutions to deliver incredible work in a timely manner. 

You will own the evolution of product from design concept to salesman samples to bulk production. Strive to create compelling apparel that reflect relevant trends while leveraging the high standards of performance, functionality and purpose the North Face is known for.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. 

• Manage timelines while proactively troubleshooting challenges to keep projects moving on time and delivered with a high standard of execution.

• Develop and manage cost models towards pre-determined GM% targets for each assigned product. Collaborate and negotiate with the Merchandising and Sourcing teams ensuring all projects meet financial parameters without compromising quality or sustainability. Complete detailed technical specifications in-full and on-time, that enable vendors to execute products efficiently and at cost (SMS & Bulk production).

• Translating designs into full specification packages and build out technical detailed bill of materials, construction details, size specs and grade rules

• Drive consistent execution of fit intent to align with design team through clear analysis of pattern corrections, visual adjustments and use of block patterns. 

• Enter fit comments into PLM system clearly and effectively communicating changes to cross functional team members and partner factories.

• Developing strong relation with Regional Sourcing teams and work together with vendors to ensure all products meet required standards.

• Analyze market feedback and product performance data to refine existing products and influence future development efforts towards process and performance improvements. Actively seek opportunities for personal growth, with a focus on developing product category knowledge & expertise.

What do you need to succeed?
We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 5+ years of experience in product and technical development of performance apparel.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of apparel fit analysis, grading, construction and patternmaking; candidates with patternmaking experience will receive strong consideration.
• Experience with or willingness to learn V-Stitcher 3D software for concept pattern creation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and Flex PLM.
• Able to organize and prioritize workload across multi-phase product development projects with an understanding of critical path and process management.
• Demonstrated success working in cross-functional teams. Ability to effectively partner with Merchandisers, Designers, Sourcing, and external parties to turn creative visions into production-ready realities.
• Able to articulate technical details and project progress clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency throughout the product development cycle.
• Confidence to negotiate with internal and external stakeholders toward established project objectives.
• Exceptional time management and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on fostering an inclusive culture of excellence and respect within the team.
• Flexibility to work and travel in an international environment across regions and time zones, including occasional early morning or evening meetings.

         
Now WE have a question for YOU.
Are you ready to explore?

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Hiring Range:

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.