Senior Product Testing Analyst, Footwear
The North Face
Burlington, VT, 05401
Closed - No longer accepting applications
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The primary responsibilities of the Sr. Product Test Analyst Footwear are to ensure all aspects of our product are thoroughly tested subjectively and objectively, oversee our HPEL lab, and our materials testing lab. This role is to aid the product creation teams in ensuring each project meets the intended consumer expectation for performance, fit, durability, and the overall experience. The role is responsible coordinate with all 3rd party testing groups, or our external advance development group (e.g. All Triangles), and the appropriate level of tester for each given project.
Join the North Face Family
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. To help ignite a global movement of outdoor exploration, love for the natural world and an unwavering commitment to protect it, we welcome and encourage new participants to the outdoors. We extend our reach through support of non-profit organizations, establishing programs that connect participants with close-to-home recreation opportunities, and creating a connection with young leaders, inspiring them to explore and conserve.
As we enter our sixth decade, we pledge to:
Empower exploration and the thrill of the unknown for as many people as possible.
Protect the places where we live, play, and operate.
Evolve the way we make our products by improving our environmental performance and social responsibility in the supply chain.
Position: Senior Product Testing Analyst, Footwear (Global TNF)
Unless prohibited by applicable law, please note it is a condition of your employment to abide by Company policy, including VF's COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Policy. In accordance with the policy, absent need for reasonable medical or religious accommodation or other exemption as allowed by state or local law, all eligible associates must present proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 on the first day of employment. A copy of the policy and state specific addendum is attached for your reference.
How You Will Make a Difference
What you will do:
Manage the product testing process for subjective and objective testing.
Conduct all fit tests from initial stages of the product creation process through commercialization.
Distribute field test samples to product testers during each stage gate of development, compile and analyze the results, deliver these results to a diverse product creation team.
Run and maintain Instron testing equipment and software – create reports that help Footwear Development improve products, foams, performance components.
Create testing protocols to understand foam performance and mechanical properties.
Create SOP and teach protocols.
Lead for the 3D printer utilized by multiple divisions and / or brands.
Manage maintenance.
Establish and manage the printing queue prioritization.
Maintain printing materials (budget and acquisitions)
Create SOP for operation – shared resources.
Create, maintain, and improve the Last Library
Website with last data for design, category management, and development (i.e. templates, specification sheets).
Create last descriptors for quick references to last variances.
How you will do it:
The Sr. Product Testing Analyst is responsible for managing and maintaining the footwear product testers (from TNF sponsored athletes to recreational end users), growing those that truly help pre-predict the level of experience intended for a given project.
This role is also responsible for managing the objective testing of performance foams, or other materials that make up performance components within our DEN RiNo Test Lab. Overseeing the actual Instron Testing or coordinating external partners for objective test required.
This role will oversee the human performance testing lab (e.g. 3D motion cameras, force plates, VO2 analytics) once established in the DEN RiNo Testing Lab.
The goal is that the Sr. Product Test Analyst is the product creation teams trusted resource of ensuring that our products meet the intended end use deliverable.
What success looks like:
Build a consistent Testing program and reporting process aligned with AT. (Field/Lab/Athletes) for new product introduction (summit).
Establish a seasonal fit testing experience for the FTW organization. (5 key styles in multiple sizes for fit and wear experience)
Determine 5 -6 Key styles each season, when there is a full production run, get 1 pair of each for everyone on the footwear team, in the 5 different styles, do a fit trial and experience.
Execute all new products including Quick Strike, Bring Back, and SMU against all milestones (PR and LL) in a timely manner to allow for all testing needs to be met.
Own performance/first feel in all products (Lifestyle and Performance products)
Rigorously test all product types, both lifestyle and performance to high standards.
Ensuring all products are tested, reports are clear, concise, and distributed in a timely manner with executive summaries, table of contents, competitor benchmarking, clear reporting, pre-season share outs prior to design phasing “What’s working, what’s not” to inform new designs based on prior findings.
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.
Educational Position Requirements
Years of Related Professional Experience: 3-5 Years
Educational/Position Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Physiology, or related field. A masters is preferred.
Demonstrable successes in managing product testing, testers, analytics, and presentation of the knowledge gained from testing footwear products.
Skills for Success
Must be detail oriented but able to present the big picture.
Works effectively within a team.
Self-motivated, able to manage themselves, the projects, and multiple parties
Influential in building positive partnerships with cross functional teams.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge of footwear construction, materials/fabrics, and how these influence end use experiences.
Understands materials, fit, function, and end use requirements.
Forward thinking and strategic skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Must be able to handle multiple priorities in efficient manner.
VF Guiding Principles: Live with Integrity, Act Courageously, Be Curious, Act with Empathy, and Persevere.
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. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.
Join the North Face Family
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. To help ignite a global movement of outdoor exploration, love for the natural world and an unwavering commitment to protect it, we welcome and encourage new participants to the outdoors. We extend our reach through support of non-profit organizations, establishing programs that connect participants with close-to-home recreation opportunities, and creating a connection with young leaders, inspiring them to explore and conserve.
As we enter our sixth decade, we pledge to:
Empower exploration and the thrill of the unknown for as many people as possible.
Protect the places where we live, play, and operate.
Evolve the way we make our products by improving our environmental performance and social responsibility in the supply chain.
Position: Senior Product Testing Analyst, Footwear (Global TNF)
Unless prohibited by applicable law, please note it is a condition of your employment to abide by Company policy, including VF's COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Policy. In accordance with the policy, absent need for reasonable medical or religious accommodation or other exemption as allowed by state or local law, all eligible associates must present proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 on the first day of employment. A copy of the policy and state specific addendum is attached for your reference.
How You Will Make a Difference
What you will do:
Manage the product testing process for subjective and objective testing.
Conduct all fit tests from initial stages of the product creation process through commercialization.
Distribute field test samples to product testers during each stage gate of development, compile and analyze the results, deliver these results to a diverse product creation team.
Run and maintain Instron testing equipment and software – create reports that help Footwear Development improve products, foams, performance components.
Create testing protocols to understand foam performance and mechanical properties.
Create SOP and teach protocols.
Lead for the 3D printer utilized by multiple divisions and / or brands.
Manage maintenance.
Establish and manage the printing queue prioritization.
Maintain printing materials (budget and acquisitions)
Create SOP for operation – shared resources.
Create, maintain, and improve the Last Library
Website with last data for design, category management, and development (i.e. templates, specification sheets).
Create last descriptors for quick references to last variances.
How you will do it:
The Sr. Product Testing Analyst is responsible for managing and maintaining the footwear product testers (from TNF sponsored athletes to recreational end users), growing those that truly help pre-predict the level of experience intended for a given project.
This role is also responsible for managing the objective testing of performance foams, or other materials that make up performance components within our DEN RiNo Test Lab. Overseeing the actual Instron Testing or coordinating external partners for objective test required.
This role will oversee the human performance testing lab (e.g. 3D motion cameras, force plates, VO2 analytics) once established in the DEN RiNo Testing Lab.
The goal is that the Sr. Product Test Analyst is the product creation teams trusted resource of ensuring that our products meet the intended end use deliverable.
What success looks like:
Build a consistent Testing program and reporting process aligned with AT. (Field/Lab/Athletes) for new product introduction (summit).
Establish a seasonal fit testing experience for the FTW organization. (5 key styles in multiple sizes for fit and wear experience)
Determine 5 -6 Key styles each season, when there is a full production run, get 1 pair of each for everyone on the footwear team, in the 5 different styles, do a fit trial and experience.
Execute all new products including Quick Strike, Bring Back, and SMU against all milestones (PR and LL) in a timely manner to allow for all testing needs to be met.
Own performance/first feel in all products (Lifestyle and Performance products)
Rigorously test all product types, both lifestyle and performance to high standards.
Ensuring all products are tested, reports are clear, concise, and distributed in a timely manner with executive summaries, table of contents, competitor benchmarking, clear reporting, pre-season share outs prior to design phasing “What’s working, what’s not” to inform new designs based on prior findings.
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.
Educational Position Requirements
Years of Related Professional Experience: 3-5 Years
Educational/Position Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Physiology, or related field. A masters is preferred.
Demonstrable successes in managing product testing, testers, analytics, and presentation of the knowledge gained from testing footwear products.
Skills for Success
Must be detail oriented but able to present the big picture.
Works effectively within a team.
Self-motivated, able to manage themselves, the projects, and multiple parties
Influential in building positive partnerships with cross functional teams.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge of footwear construction, materials/fabrics, and how these influence end use experiences.
Understands materials, fit, function, and end use requirements.
Forward thinking and strategic skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Must be able to handle multiple priorities in efficient manner.
VF Guiding Principles: Live with Integrity, Act Courageously, Be Curious, Act with Empathy, and Persevere.
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. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.