Now that you’ve found the job description, what’s next?
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 will you do?
A day in the life of a Senior Manager, Technical Development at The North Face looks a little like this.
As a Senior Manager on our Technical Development team, you will lead a team of technical developers through the entire product lifecycle, from design concept to production-ready hand-off. You will collaborate closely with design to translate fit intent and aesthetic into 3D models and physical prototypes, ensuring that fit, construction, and Bill of Materials (BOM) meet or exceed quality and cost expectations. You will maintain excellence in product specifications, manage records, style files, and samples, and provide expert guidance on construction and fit. By fostering a collaborative environment, you will coach your team to grow in their roles and align with organizational goals across the Technical Development department. Your role will involve close collaboration with materials, design, product management, product integrity, innovation, and our overseas offices in Singapore and Panama.
Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.
Plan and Oversee Development: Manage the development schedule for prototypes and style workloads, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. This includes tracking progress against key calendar dates and identifying potential issues early.Team Management: Allocate and oversee team resources effectively, recognizing when style ownership is essential. You will manage a team of 2-4 direct reports, providing daily oversight, coaching, and support to ensure their professional growth.Fit Standards and Guidelines: Collaborate with the Fit Team to establish fit standards and guidelines, ensuring all products exceed fit and technical engineering expectations. This involves conducting fit sessions and providing actionable feedback.Fit Consistency: Ensure consistent execution of fit intent through thorough analysis, pattern corrections, visual adjustments, and effective communication. You will drive the use of block patterns and other tools to maintain fit consistency across products.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with design and product management to ensure fit intent and aesthetic are accurately reflected in prototypes and samples. You will influence cross-functional peers to improve working relationships and drive decision-making.Guidance and Solutions: Provide insights and collaborate with regional sourcing and technical leads on construction, production, and cost engineering solutions. You will support your team in navigating challenges and identifying innovative solutions.Operational Excellence: Develop and implement departmental guidelines and standards to enhance operational efficiency and consistency across teams. This includes proposing new processes and tools to maximize productivity.Innovation and Execution: Partner with lead designers and product managers to define and execute seasonal projects that drive innovation within the category and the broader development team. You will lead the implementation of new tools and templates for effective communication.Approval and Tracking: Oversee the approval process for assigned styles from SMS to bulk production, ensuring timely release of specifications for fit and BOM/construction. Seasonal travel to manufacturers may be required.Team Development: Foster a learning environment that encourages open dialogue and individual growth, guiding direct reports to achieve their business and career objectives. You will create opportunities for team members to engage in training and development.Training and Delivery: Ensure the team is proficient in key functional responsibilities, including PLM software, BOM management, and sample evaluations (Proto, SMS, Pre-production). You will lead training sessions to enhance team capabilities.3D Software Proficiency: Utilize and train the team in V-Stitcher 3D software to create actionable prototypes, ensuring that all team members are equipped to leverage this technology effectively.Mentorship and Management: Mentor and coach Associate and Mid-level technical developers, overseeing all Workday functions. You will provide constructive feedback and support their career progression.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 8+ years of experience and professional achievements.
The foundation skills you will need in this position are:
Experience: In addition to your experience, we are seeking 2+ years in a management role with oversight and mentorship responsibilities.Language Skills: Fluent in EnglishProduct Acumen: Strong understanding of fit, patternmaking, construction, cost engineering, and manufacturing processes.Collaboration Skills: Excellent ability to manage multiple timelines and collaborate effectively across teams.Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying root causes of issues and committed to finding the best solutions.Adaptability: Highly adaptable, able to work under pressure and navigate change with flexibility.Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of building trust with cross-functional teams.Growth Mindset: Eager to learn new tools and approaches to problem-solving.Mentorship: Strong mentoring skills, with clear and effective verbal and written communication.Passion: A deep passion for your work, matched by a love for outdoor activities and living life to the fullest.There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.
Educational Background: Degree in technical design, patternmaking, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.Language Skills: Proficiency in additional languages is a plus.What do we offer you?
At The North Face, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.
To learn more about The North Face’s benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits.com and click “Looking to Join VF”.
To learn more about The North Face’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.thenorthface.com.
Now WE have a question for YOU.
Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$120,960.00 USD - $151,200.00 USD annuallyIncentive 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.
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 are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities 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.