VF: Principal Apparel Concept Designer (Innovation)

Vans; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits overview via VF MyVFbenefits

Incentive potential

Job summary

VF Corporation’s Vans division seeks a Principal Innovation Prototype Concept Designer, Apparel in Denver, CO, to drive early-stage ideas into physical garments. You will lead expert prototypes, explore new construction methods, and elevate craft across the innovation pipeline.

The role demands 10+ years in apparel prototyping, patternmaking, and garment engineering, plus leadership of cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in apparel construction, prototyping, or innovation.
• Expert mastery of patternmaking, garment engineering, and advanced construction techniques.
• Strong knowledge of performance materials and functional textiles.
• Ability to deliver high-quality prototypes in fast-paced, exploratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept-to-sample creation across apparel categories using advanced construction methods.
• Translate concepts into 2D patterns and 3D garments.
• Lead rapid iteration cycles to refine fit, performance and product intent.
• Mentor junior makers and guide craft excellence within the team.

Skills

Patternmaking

Garment Engineering

Advanced Construction

Prototyping

Mentoring

Wear-test preparation

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Bonding

Lamination

CNC cutting

Embroidery

Job description

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity.So, before we get to the job details,takea minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture - visitVF Careersorwww.vfc.com.

What will you do?

We are seeking a Principal Innovation Prototype Concept Designer, Apparel with deep expertise in apparel innovation, concept creation, advanced prototyping, and wear‑test–ready sample construction. As a senior craft and technical leader, this role is responsible for shaping how early‑stage ideas become physical product, advancing new construction methods, and elevating the execution quality across the innovation pipeline. The ideal candidate is a master maker who thrives in ambiguity, pushes boundaries, and mentors others in the craft of building what’s never been built before.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more: Concept & Sample Creation Build expert‑level prototypes across apparel categories using advanced construction methods, machinery, and materials. Translate early concepts, sketches, research insights, and emerging technologies into functional 2D patterns and 3D garments. Lead rapid iteration cycles to refine fit, functionality, performance, and product intent. Create both low‑fidelity and high‑fidelity prototypes aligned to the stage of innovation. Wear Test Preparation & Support Construct durable, highly functional, test‑ready samples for athlete, consumer, and exploratory wear testing. Ensure accuracy and performance in fit, materials, trims, reinforcements, and construction integrity. Partner with testing and research teams to integrate insights from wear tests into new iterations and build directions. Anticipate testing needs and proactively design for durability, comfort, and experimental variables.

Technical Excellence & Craft Leadership Demonstrate advanced mastery in sewing, patternmaking, grading, garment engineering, and construction innovation. Operate, troubleshoot, and guide others on specialized equipment (industrial sewing machines, bonding, lamination, CNC cutting, embroidery, etc.). Explore, evaluate, and implement emerging materials, construction technologies, and new build processes. Document prototype builds, iterations, methods, and new techniques to elevate shared knowledge.

Innovation Leadership & Collaboration Serve as a senior technical voice in innovation projects, advising on feasibility, build approaches, and conceptual exploration. Partner with designers, developers, engineers, and researchers to unlock new possibilities in apparel performance or construction. Identify opportunities for new methods, tools, or workflows that enhance innovation capability. Mentor junior makers and guide best practices for prototype quality, problem‑solving, and craft excellence.

What do you need to succeed?

We are most interested in your experience, technical capability, and ability to operate in a fast‑moving innovation environment. The foundation skills you will need in this position are: 10+ years of experience in apparel construction, prototyping, technical design, or innovation (performance or advanced concepts preferred). Expert mastery of patternmaking, garment engineering, and advanced construction techniques. Strong knowledge of performance materials, functional textiles, and experimental construction technologies. Proven ability to deliver high‑quality prototypes in ambiguous, fast‑paced, exploratory environments. Exceptional problem‑solving, craftsmanship, and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Ability to lead, mentor, and influence technical direction within an innovation ecosystem.

Ideal Candidate Traits:

Experimental, hands‑on, and highly curious Thrives in ambiguity and loves turning early ideas into reality Deeply skilled in craft but also agile, fast, and iteration‑oriented Confident leading technical direction while staying collaborative, open and inventive.

Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in?

Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in?

Hiring Range: $125,280.00 USD - $156,600.00 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 Looking to Join VF? 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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.

VF Corporation habille les consommateurs partout dans le monde grâce à son portefeuille diversifié de marques emblématiques de style de vie, notamment Vans®, The North Face® et Timberland®. Fondée en 1899, VF est l’une des plus importantes entreprises mondiales de vêtements, de chaussures et d’accessoires. Elle exerce ses activités de façon socialement et écologiquement responsable dans de nombreuses régions du monde, catégories de produits et canaux de distribution. VF s’engage à offrir des produits novateurs aux consommateurs et à créer une valeur durable pour ses clients et ses actionnaires.

VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders.

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 committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, 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 basis.

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].