The North Face: Product Developer, Footwear (Global)

at  The North Face

Now that you ’ ve found the job description, what ’s next?
At The North Face we dare to lead the world forward through Exploration. We were born to Explore, Disrupt and to Lead. We were born to Love Wild Places and to Spark Curiosity. We believe that exploration is a mindset - both on the mountain and off the mountain - and it infuses everything we do. As a community of explorers, we stay curious about new ideas , places, and people.
So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of adventure-loving people, The North Face just may be the place for you.
To learn more about our values and our culture, visit The North Face Careers or www.thenorthface.com .
Position: Product Developer, Footwear
What will you do?
A day in the life of a Product Developer at The North Face looks a little like this. 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.
Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.
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.
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 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 3-5 years of in Technical Design/Product Development in a medium or large size company.

THE FOUNDATION SKILLS YOU WILL NEED IN THIS POSITION ARE:

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 do we offer you?
At The North Face , we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.
To learn more about The North Face ’s benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits.com and click “Looking to Join VF ”.
To learn more about The North Face’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.thenorthface.com.
Now WE have a question for YOU.
Are you in?
Hiring Range : $69,984.00 USD - $87,480.00 USD annually
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.
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

Please refer the Job description for details