The North Face was built on a love for the outdoors and the desire to enable all types of exploration, for all people, from their backyards to the Himalayas. Over the last 50 years we've lived by our "true north," the belief that exploration has the power to change us, to challenge us and to help us see the world from new perspectives.

We pledge to empower exploration, protect the places where we live, play, and operate and evolve the way we make our products by improving our environmental performance and social responsibility in the supply chain.

Let's Talk about the Role

We are looking for an outstanding Product Development Manager for The North Face Apparel based in our EMEA headquarter in Stabio, Switzerland. In this role you will lead the apparel development process, ensuring alignment with the brands seasonal direction, the global business needs, regional sourcing capabilities and quality standards, contributing to the development, engineering, and production of the The North Face apparel lines. 

 You will support and enable the The North Face brand vision on best practices and process, applying true leadership and technical expertise to guide the team in creating product that meets expectations in terms of construction, fit, quality and cost. 

You will collaborate cross functionally with Design, Merchandising, pattern, sourcing and Materials to deliver the appropriate execution for the target consumer.  Be the pivotal role in the product creation team to turn product concepts into reality and accelerate business growth and relevance. Strive to create apparel that meets relevant trends and leverages the brands style DNA, technical performance, and sustainability where applicable.  

 

What you will do: 
! Contribute to and implement the development strategy for your assigned apparel categories
! Plan and track the development schedule of all products, including seasonal workload assessment, ensuring the team delivers against the seasonal calendar milestones and product timelines
! Work with product stewardship and regional technical teams to ensure product safety guidelines and requirements are met 
! Partner with Sourcing on vendor allocation and sourcing strategy  
! Partner with Material team to develop new materials, construction techniques and support research into new developments as well as selection of existing/shared platforms. 
! Be accountable to meet margin and FOB targets and negotiate when needed 
! Coach, motivate and inspire the team. Provide hands- on support to the team in daily tasks.
! Oversee schedule/traveling related to seasonal product development  
! In line with The North Face sustainability goals, play an active role in researching and?introducing innovations to help achieve these

 

What you need to succeed: 
! University Degree in Apparel/Design, Textile Engineering or Manufacturing/Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
! 8-10 years of experience in Product Development (and/or Technical Services), in a medium or large sized apparel company with 3-4 years of experience in people management
! Proven track record in product development 
! Demonstrating knowledge of fit, pattern making, and construction expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost
! Fluent English is required, both written and verbal 
! Proficient PC skills (MS package, Adobe Illustrator) 
! Knowledge in 3D creation software is a plus (Browzwear, CLO 3D) 
! Excellent attention to details, aptitude for systems and systematic work 
! Excellent communication skills (oral and written), strong interactive skills 

What's in it For You

We're in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That's why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we're the total package.
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A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

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An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

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Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

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On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

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Discount of 50% on all VF brands

Relocation support may be available to applicants living further than 100 km from Stabio, Switzerland.

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!

VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. VF's purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. VF believes that when you discover the difference between a career and a calling, you get so much more out of life. When those lines begin to blur, you start to limit yourself much less and start aiming for more. That’s what we want for everyone who joins VF. And frankly, that’s what it takes to thrive here too. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

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