The North Face: Director, Technical Development (Global Youth)

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.

Director, Technical Development (Global Youth)

How You Will Make a Difference

As the Director of Technical Development you will oversee, lead, and develop one of 4 technical design teams at TNF bringing a balance of both technical skillset and leadership qualities to elevate the team. You will partner with the Design Director and Product Director to ensure the cross functional teams are functioning efficiently to achieve overall product development goals (Fit intent/execution, design aesthetic, cost). You will provide direction to your team on seasonal goals and strategic priorities to ensure efforts are directed appropriately. You will drive innovation in product development, both in garment construction and fit as well as development of new ways of working. While fostering a collaborative and collegial environment across the organization you will lead, coach, drive and inspire your team. You will work in close partnership with materials, design, product management, product integrity, innovation, and overseas offices in Singapore and Panama to drive organizational efficiency and project alignment.

What You Will Do:

• Champion a work environment that supports teamwork, inclusion, and respect.
• Understand and distill functional opportunities and address with macro solutions
• Seasonal organizational goals (Circularity, Sustainability)
• Partner with the Fit Team to create fit standards and guidelines to ensure all products within assigned category exceed fit and technical engineering expectations
• Mentor and Coach Technical development team and manage all Workday function.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement promoting professional growth and development of the team.
• Product creation process and calendar
• Fit and product standards/guardrails (QA, product integrity, wear test)
• Ensure consistent execution of fit intent and fit consistency across entire development team through aligned communication and expectations
• Develop department guidelines and standards to ensure operational excellence and consistency across teams. Proposes new ways to maximize efficiencies.
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, mentorship and inspiration to a diverse team of Technical Developers to deliver industry leading products.
• Travel to sourcing offices and/or factories to work with technical teams at the source
• Ensure you and your team remain current with new innovations, technologies, equipment, research, and processes in apparel
• Proactively begins and leads special projects, process or calendar optimization.
• Develop management and leadership capabilities in team members.
• Plan and oversee the development schedule of prototypes and style workload across team
• Benchmark fit and quality standards against other key competitors to ensure best in class fit and construction
• Ensures team is trained on and delivering to key functional responsibilities including:

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.

Skills For Success

Years of related professional experience:

• 10+ years of experience in Technical Design
• 5+ years of management experience or oversight and mentorship of others

Educational position requirements: Degree in tech design, patternmaking, or related field and/or equivalent work experience

What You Will Bring:

• High degree of agility and adaptability with an ability to work under pressure and to navigate change with open mindedness and flexibility
• Superior project planning with an ability to develop and manage multiple timelines and deadlines.
• Strong financial/business acumen with the ability to understand and communicate broader strategic decisions and key financial metrics effectively to the team
• Skilled mentor, coaches others with clear and accurate verbal and written communication
• Strong product acumen with an advanced knowledge of fit, patternmaking, and construction expertise, cost engineering and knowledge of manufacturing processes
• Passion for your work equal to your passion for getting outside and living it
• Demonstrates superior collaboration and interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust with cross functional teams
• You must be able to lead and influence others and be comfortable presenting in front of large groups of people.
• Ability to inspire and build a mindset and culture of innovation within your team and beyond.
• Fluent in English, any other language is a plus
• Proactive approach to identifying the root cause of issues, seeking the best solutions with a values driven commitment to do what is right
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools and problem-solving

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.

Our Parent Company, VF Corporation

VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com.

We just have one question. Are you in?

Pay Range:

$149,040.00 USD - $223,560.00 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.

Long_Term_Incentive:

This position is eligible to be nominated annually to participate in a Long-Term Incentive Plan. Specific details of the plan 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 pay 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.