The North Face: Director, Product Design, Sportswear Apparel

at  The North Face

Join The North Face Family
The 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 protecting unities, 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.
Director, Product Design, Sportswear Apparel (Global TNF)
As a senior member of the Apparel Design team, the Sportswear Director will provide leadership and vision to a team of designers responsible for reimagining Sportswear for the brand. You will strike the perfect balance of modern design with a passion for team development. You will be accountable for establishing the product design vision, strategies, and standards across the team as you work closely with partners in Product Management, Creative Services, Materials, Technical Development and Innovation. You will provide direction to a team while providing feedback and guidance to them as they grow.
How You Will Make a Difference

WHAT WE EXPECT YOU ALREADY KNOW:

Deep apparel expertise in product design and creation with excellent construction and design technique
An in-depth knowledge of design techniques, processes, and technology
A strong comprehension of product construction, color trends, textiles, and materials
The ability to balance creativity and bottom-line business needs
A strong eye for product aesthetic and quality
Recognition of the brand’s target market and consumer attributes
A holistic global understanding of regional consumer preferences and market differences
The ability to negotiate, influence, and collaborate with other key decision-makers in a matrixed environment
Knowledge of costing components and product fabrication with the ability to achieve margin targets

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Define, champion and protect a global brand design philosophy aligned to the Brand DNA for all products created within our newly defined category of Sportswear
Communicate product vision and strategy for the brand through a consumer- focused approach to product
Lead global long-term and seasonal product design direction which includes pre-season concepting for Sportswear in partnership with the Concept team
Provide strategic direction, leadership, mentorship and inspiration to a diverse team of Designers while driving alignment of the total apparel line
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement promoting professional growth and development of the team
Establish, maintain and nurture the design direction - to achieve the key goals of being innovative, authentic and relevant
Obsess product excellence as your team creates compelling products on a seasonal and annual basis
Manage the design process including design cost to deliver on financial targets and KPI including gross margin, style complexity, global commonality, and ultimately sell-through of product

HOW YOU WILL DO IT:

Foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with partners to develop compelling product stories and drive key brand strategies
Attract and develop design talent to enhance individual growth and build a talent pipeline to ensure the future success of the business
Ensure that The North Face’s values, including inclusion, diversity, social and environmental stewardship, are fully incorporated into design strategies and products we make