Join the North Face FamilyThe North Face was built on a love for the outdoors and the desire to enable all types of exploration, for all people, from their backyards to the Himalayas. Over the last 50 years we've lived by our “true north,” the belief that exploration has the power to change us, to challenge us and to help us see the world from new perspectives. To help ignite a global movement of outdoor exploration, love for the natural world and an unwavering commitment to protect it, we welcome and encourage new participants to the outdoors. We extend our reach through support of non-profit organizations, establishing programs that connect participants with close-to-home recreation opportunities, and creating a connection with young leaders, inspiring them to explore and conserve.As we enter our sixth decade, we pledge to:
Empower exploration and the thrill of the unknown for as many people as possible.
Protect the places where we live, play, and operate.
Evolve the way we make our products by improving our environmental performance and social responsibility in the supply chain.
Position: Product Developer (Footwear)The primary responsibilities of the Product Developer are to contribute to the development, engineering, and specification creation process of innovative and technologically advanced products that meet the needs of the Company’s customers and end users. The Product Developer is responsible for engineering the highest level of innovative and quality products and executing to the product development timeline in conjunction with the timelines of the Company’s business strategies. They work to develop products which meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets and communicate the specifications and product details to the Sourcing organization and Suppliers.How You Will Make a DifferenceWhat you will do:
Manages the development process of company product lines as assigned.
Plans and tracks the development schedule of all products to ensure a timely completion following the predetermined product development calendar.
Ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities.
Develops products, recommends materials, and construction techniques that meet Design expectations and meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets.
Ensures execution of fit intent and fit consistency through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards, and use of block patterns.
Creates the specifications for the products, publishes, and maintains all records, style files, and samples associated with the product and related programs.
How you will do it:
Partner with the Denver product creation team, Asia Sourcing team, FTW leadership, All Triangles, and other internal and external customers to establish yourself as the lead for this role.
Establish seasonal fit, wear test, and field-testing plans for your products with the category teams.
Work with the category teams to clearly understand product attributes and consumer benefits and create product that meets these needs from a performance, fit, comfort, and costing standpoint.
Clearly understand the seasonal financial directives and work with the costing team to establish strategic initiatives each season to mitigate cost increases to meet seasonal margin and brand financial targets.
Lead the development of new materials, construction techniques, and processes, to create innovative and technically superior products each season in conjunction with the timelines of the Company’s business strategies.
What success looks like:
You will be a key contributor in TNF profitability by driving our costing goals across the Product Creation Teams and VFA Costing Teams allowing us to achieve our seasonal product TFOB’s, and margin targets.
You are viewed by VFA Costing, Sourcing, TNF Finance team, and Footwear Product Team as the owner of TNF product costing.
TNF can raise and achieve our margin targets season over season.
You have established yourself as the owner of your projects and lead for development in your Dome teams.
Products you have created exceed consumer expectations for performance, fit, and comfort.
All products are developed to meet calendar timelines for key milestones.
Products are engineered to cost and meet specified FOB and category margin targets.
Free to Be, Inclusion & DiversityAs a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.Educational Position Requirements
7+ years of experience in Technical Design/Product Development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor industry.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing; or Degree or Certification in Apparel Design, construction, and/or patternmaking; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skills for Success
Able to independently manage product of moderate to high complexity.
Demonstrates a solid knowledge of fit, patternmaking, and construction expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
Demonstrates a solid knowledge of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle.
Demonstrates great interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust with cross functional teams.
Participates in special projects, process, or calendar optimization with supervision.
Able to resolve conflict with coaching.
Able to proactively troubleshoot and proposes solutions to problems with moderate complexity.
Demonstrates clear and accurate verbal and written communication.
Participates in goal setting. Drives results to achieve goals.
Demonstrates strong organizational skills.
Demonstrates proficient computer skills in MS Office software, Adobe Illustrator, and Specification Management programs. Knowledge of patternmaking systems a plus.
Deadline driven with a track record for delivering great results on time.
Some overseas travel required 5% of time.What we will teach you:
Ability to play and integral role within a broader team, leading through influence, connect departments and individual expectations to company vision.
Strong holistic view of business: ability to successfully connect brand strategy to sales and financial targets.
VF Guiding Principles : Live with Integrity, Act Courageously, Be Curious, Act with Empathy, and Persevere.What’s In It for YouWe’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy, and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical, and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.Our Parent Company, VF CorporationVF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com.We just have one question. Are you in?Hiring Range :$99,360.00 USD - $124,200.00 USD annuallyIncentive 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.P lease 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 are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com . VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities 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.VF Diversity Vision Statement
VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.
