The North Face: Product Developer, Special Projects and Speed (Apparel)

vfc; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Face is seeking a Product Developer for Special Projects and Speed in apparel. You will develop products across Performance and Lifestyle lines, ensuring alignment with seasonal direction and coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet global needs.

Your role emphasizes precision in fit, patternmaking, and cost-conscious production from concept to bulk. You will lead the evolution of product from concept to samples and bulk production, delivering high-quality, trend-aligned

Qualifications

• Experience with apparel fit analysis, grading, construction, and patternmaking.
• Familiarity with V-Stitcher 3D software for concept pattern creation is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and Flex PLM.

Responsibilities

• Develop apparel across multiple product lines within Performance and Lifestyle spaces, aligning with brand direction.
• Manage complexity in a fast-paced environment, proposing best solutions with timely delivery.
• Own evolution of product from design concept to samples and bulk production, ensuring quality and cost targets.
• Manage timelines and troubleshoot challenges to keep projects on track for timely delivery.
• Develop and manage cost models toward GM% targets in collaboration with Merchandising and Sourcing.
• Translate designs into detailed technical specs and BOMs for vendors to execute.

Skills

Fit analysis

Patternmaking

Grading

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

V-Stitcher 3D

Microsoft Office

Adobe Illustrator

Flex PLM

Job description

Product Developer, Special Projects and Speed (Apparel)

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.

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.
• 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?

#LI-DD1

Hiring Range : $77