The North Face: Senior Product Developer

The North Face; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Face is seeking a Senior Product Developer, Apparel to lead end-to-end development of complex apparel from concept through bulk production. You will partner with Design to translate concepts into 3D and physical prototype samples, ensuring construction and BOM requirements meet quality and cost expectations.

You will mentor Associate and Mid-level Developers, collaborate with Sourcing, Costing, vendors, and manufacturers to meet calendars and production readiness, and travel seasonally

Qualifications

• Degree in Product Development, Apparel Design, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in Apparel Product Development
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including fluency in English
• Strong product acumen with knowledge of apparel product development processes/tools/systems
• Proactive problem-solving with a values-driven approach
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to manage multiple timelines

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with Technical Designers and Standards teams to align priorities, fit consistency, and best practices.
• Travel seasonally to overseas manufacturers to support product execution, vendor alignment, and production readiness.

Skills

English fluency

Strong communication

Product development acumen

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Product Development or related field

Tools

PLM/PDM systems

Browzwear

Clo

Optitex

Job description

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.

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.

• 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?

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 6+ years of experience and professional achievements.

• 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.

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

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 clicking Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please 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 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.