Senior Manager, Product Development The North Face

The role:

We are looking for an outstanding Senior Product Development Manager for The North Face Apparel.

As Senior Product Development Manager for The North Face, you will lead the apparel development process, ensuring alignment with the brands seasonal direction, the global business needs, regional sourcing capabilities and quality standards, contributing to the development, engineering, and production of the The North Face apparel lines.

You will support and enable the Development Director's vision on best practices and process, applying true leadership and technical expertise to guide the team in creating product that meets expectations in terms of construction, fit, quality and cost.

You will collaborate cross functionally with Design and Merchandising to deliver the appropriate execution for the target consumer.

Be the pivotal role in the product creation team to turn product concepts into reality and accelerate business growth and relevance.

Strive to create apparel that meets relevant trends and leverages the brands style DNA, technical performance and sustainability where applicable.

What you will do:

• Contribute to and implement the development strategy for your assigned apparel categories.
• Plan and track the development schedule of all products, ensuring the team delivers against the seasonal calendar milestones and product timelines.
• Oversee the develop of products, recommend materials and construction techniques that meet product brief and design requirements.
• Work in close partnership with Design and Merchandising
• Partner with Sourcing on vendor allocation, sourcing strategy and costing
• Partner with Material team to develop new materials, construction techniques and support research into new developments as well as selection of existing/shared platforms.
• Manage product development teams including product development managers.
• Coach, motivate and inspire the team. Provide support on all issue escalation.
• Oversee seasonal workload and travel planning.
• Work cross functionally with The North Face teams globally for learnings on development processes and garment testing.
• In line with The North Face sustainability goals, play an active role in researching and introducing innovations to help achieve these.
• Lead product development strategic projects

What you need to succeed:

• University Degree in Apparel/Design, Textile Engineering or Manufacturing/Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10+ years of experience in Product Development (and/or Technical Services), in a medium or large sized apparel company
• Must have a track record in product development, a background in sports performance / outerwear ideal but not essential.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of fit, pattern making, and construction expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost.
• Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to work effectively with designers and technical designers to interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions to meet commercial objectives.
• A proactive, self-starter with strong communication skills
• Be a people leader (coach and develop others, facilitate change, build strong work relationship...)
• Fluent English is required, both written and verbal
• Proficient PC skills (MS package, Adobe Illustrator)
• Excellent attention to details, aptitude for systems and systematic work
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), strong interactive skills.

What's in it for you?

• A competitive salary and benefits program with a flexible, casual work environment
• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
• Be part of a company with iconic brands that operates in multiple countries
• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
• Discount 50% on all VF brands

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you! Please submit your CV in English.

R-20230802-0019