Product Developer, Commercialization

Job Summary

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

A Product Developer-Production Specialist at The North Face is responsible for driving the development of products assigned, engineering, fit execution (if needed) and specifications for innovative, technologically advanced products of the highest level

We build products that are coveted and trusted by our customers in a fun, fast paced environment. We are passionate, precise, team oriented engineers with a love of the outdoors and a commitment to sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the development process of company product lines as assigned.
• Plans and tracks the development/production schedule of all products to ensure a timely completion following the predetermined product development calendar.
• Ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities.
• Coordinate and review size sets with Product team to ensure approval before bulk.
• Support and partner with QA, Sourcing/Operation to rapidly implement feedback from product team to ensure our product is of the highest quality.
• Partners with Product Managers, Business Managers and Sourcing to ensure color/fabric minimums are met for production.
• Collaborate with VF Production team and QA to test product functionality, resolve manufacturing issues and product performance.
• Ensure that all incoming development and samples are accurately logged and tracked on a daily basis.
• Develops products assigned, recommend materials, and construction techniques that meet Design expectations, and meets or exceed predetermined gross margin targets.
• Ensures execution of fit intent and fit consistency in conjunction with fit specialist through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards, and use of block patterns.
• Creates the specifications for the products assigned, publishes, and maintains all records, style files, and samples associated with the product and related programs.
• Partners with Technical Developers, Product and Material Sourcing and manufacturers to develop new materials, construction techniques, processes, and samples used to create innovative and technically superior products each season.
• Interacts with Product Director, Product Manager, Design, Marketing, Sales, and Quality Assurance to distribute product technical details and assure the accuracy, legality, and integrity of all product performance claims.
• Perform these and other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & JOB REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of experience in Technical Design/Product Development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor industry.   
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing, or Degree or Certification in Apparel Design, construction, and/or patternmaking or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have an understanding of the supply chain, product cost and ways to reduce cost.
• Able to lead a fitting with optional fit specialist or meeting with optional supervision.
• Able to independently manage product of moderate to high complexity.
• Demonstrates knowledge of fit and patternmaking, as well as construction and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrates a solid knowledge of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle.
• Demonstrates great interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust with cross functional teams.
• Participates in special projects, process or calendar optimization with supervision.
• Able to resolve conflict with coaching.
• Able to proactively troubleshoot and proposes solutions to problems with moderate complexity.
• Demonstrates clear and accurate verbal and written communication.
• Participates in goal setting.
• Drives results to achieve goals.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills
• Demonstrates proficient computer skills in MS Office software, Adobe Illustrator, and Specification Management programs. Knowledge of patternmaking systems a plus.
• Deadline driven with a track record for delivering great results on time.
• Some overseas travel required:  5%