The North Face: Senior Product Developer

Vans; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Face is seeking a Senior Product Developer, Apparel in the United States. You will lead end-to-end development of complex apparel from concept through bulk production, owning specifications, BOMs, and development records while guiding cross-functional partners.

We value design-to-manufacturing collaboration, 3D prototyping, and innovation, with opportunities to travel to overseas manufacturers and influence best practices across the organization.

Qualifications

• Degree in Product Development or Apparel Design, or equivalent work experience.
• Familiarity with patternmaking and grading.
• 6+ years of experience in apparel product development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of development processes/tools/systems including BOMs, specs and tech packs.
• Experience with PLM/PDM and 3D programs (Browzwear, Clo, Optitex).
• Proactive problem solver with a focus on quality, cost, and schedules.
• Collaborative, able to manage multiple timelines and deadlines.
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools.
• Passion for product development and outdoor lifestyle.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of complex apparel products from concept through bulk production.
• Own commercialization strategy for high-risk, high-profile, and innovative categories.
• Ensure quality, cost, calendar, construction, BOM, and manufacturability objectives.
• Translate designer intent into 3D and prototypes; recommend cost-engineering solutions.
• Own product specifications, BOM accuracy, style files, and development records.
• Lead product reviews, risk assessments, and readiness activities with cross-functional partners.
• Collaborate with Design and Technical Designers on fit and construction.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to onboarding and training.
• Travel seasonally to overseas manufacturers to support execution.

Skills

Degree in apparel

Patternmaking

6+ years exp

English fluency

BOM & tech packs

PLM/PDM systems

3D programs

Collaboration

Agility

Innovation

Outdoor passion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Product Development or Apparel Design

Equivalent work experience

Tools

Browzwear

Clo

Optitex

PLM/PDM software

Job description

Senior Product Developer, Apparel

What will you do?

A day in the life of a Senior Product Developer, Apparel at The North Face looks a little like this. As Senior Product Developer, you will work under the guidance of Product Development team Sr Leadership and execute department initiative. You will lead and manage the development of the most complex products, high-profile initiatives, and strategic business categories. This role independently manages challenging development projects while influencing product creation best practices across the organization. The Senior Product Developer serves as the primary escalation point for complex product development issues but does not have direct people management responsibilities. You will partner with Design to translate the overall aesthetic into 3D and physical prototype samples, ensuring construction and BOM requirements meet or exceed expectations for quality and cost. You will own product specifications, publish and maintain records, style files, Bills of Materials, and samples associated with assigned products and related programs. You will provide expert guidance to cross-functional teams on product construction, development execution, and technical requirements. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Lead end-to-end development of complex apparel products from concept through bulk production approval.
• Own commercialization strategy for high-risk, high-profile, and innovation-driven product categories.
• Ensure products meet quality, cost, calendar, construction, BOM, and manufacturability objectives.
• Translate designer intent into 3D and physical prototype samples while recommending construction and cost-engineering solutions, to support prototype development and reduce approval timelines and iterations.
• Own product specifications, BOM accuracy, style files, development records, samples, and production-ready documentation.
• Lead product reviews, teardowns, risk assessments, and commercialization readiness activities with cross-functional partners.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in garment engineering, construction methods, manufacturing feasibility, and technical execution.
• Collaborate with Technical Designer when construction adjustments affect fit.
• Resolve complex development issues, evaluate manufacturing risks, and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
• Partner with Sourcing, Costing, vendors, and manufacturers to align on construction, capabilities, timelines, and production readiness.
• Own the communication for product development, workmanship and construction of seasonal styles with sourcing and vendors.
• Support vendor capability discussions, factory onboarding, and the advancement of manufacturing best practices.
• Identify and lead process improvements, in constructions standards, calendar optimization, and special projects with minimal supervision.
• Mentor Associate and Mid-level Product Developers while supporting onboarding, technical training, and team alignment.
• Collaborate closely with the Technical Designers and Standards teams to align priorities, fit consistency, share expertise, and deliver best-in-class products.
• Travel seasonally to overseas manufacturers to support product execution, vendor alignment, and production readiness.

What do you need to succeed?

• Degree in Product Development, Apparel Design, or related field and/or equivalent work experience.
• Familiarity with Patternmaking and grading.
• 6+ years of experience in Apparel Product Development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including fluency in English (any other language is a plus)
• Strong product acumen with knowledge of apparel product development processes/tools/systems, including development, sourcing, and manufacturing.
• Proactive approach to identifying the root cause of issues, seeking the best solutions with a values driven commitment to do what is right
• Excellent collaboration skills and an ability to manage multiple timelines and deadlines
• Working knowledge of Bill of Materials, Specs and tech packs with experience in PLM/PDM systems, 3D programs (Browzwear, Clo, Optitex)
• High degree of agility and adaptability, with the ability to work under pressure and navigate change with open-mindedness and flexibility.
• A keen interest in innovation and a passion for products.
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools and problem solving.
• Passion for your work equals your passion for getting outside and living it.

Hiring Range:

$103,680.00 USD - $129,600.00 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 reviewing the detailed information on your benefits during the hiring process.

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 require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals 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.

With 40 years in the outdoor industry, The North Face® is the premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technologically advanced exploration apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories.

We look for employees who help us stay on the cutting edge with their creativity and innovation.

If this sounds like you, take a look through our open opportunities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 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, 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.

VF is committed to meeting the diverse needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner that is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity, and will do so by striving to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility wherever possible as well as by meeting the accessibility requirements under the ADA, AODA, and other applicable state, local or provincial regulations.

VF is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA and complying with the ADA and AODA Standards for Accessible Design, and other applicable regulations.

If you need an accommodation or have any questions regarding this statement, please send your request to [e-mail].