The North Face: Senior Product Developer, Apparel
About The Position
As Senior Product Developer, you will work under the guidance of Product Development team Sr Leadership and execute department initiative. You will lead and manage the development of the most complex products, high-profile initiatives, and strategic business categories. This role independently manages challenging development projects while influencing product creation best practices across the organization. The Senior Product Developer serves as the primary escalation point for complex product development issues but does not have direct people management responsibilities. You will partner with Design to translate the overall aesthetic into 3D and physical prototype samples, ensuring construction and BOM requirements meet or exceed expectations for quality and cost. You will own product specifications, publish and maintain records, style files, Bills of Materials, and samples associated with assigned products and related programs. You will provide expert guidance to cross-functional teams on product construction, development execution, and technical requirements.
Requirements
- Degree in Product Development, Apparel Design, or related field and/or equivalent work experience.
- Familiarity with Patternmaking and grading.
- 6+ years of experience in Apparel Product Development.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including fluency in English (any other language is a plus)
- Strong product acumen with knowledge of apparel product development processes/tools/systems, including development, sourcing, and manufacturing.
- Proactive approach to identifying the root cause of issues, seeking the best solutions with a values driven commitment to do what is right
- Excellent collaboration skills and an ability to manage multiple timelines and deadlines
- Working knowledge of Bill of Materials, Specs and tech packs with experience in PLM/PDM systems, 3D programs (Browzwear, Clo, Optitex),
- High degree of agility and adaptability, with the ability to work under pressure and navigate change with open-mindedness and flexibility.
- A keen interest in innovation and a passion for products.
- Growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools and problem-solving.
- Passion for your work equals your passion for getting outside and living it.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end development of complex apparel products from concept through bulk production approval.
- Own commercialization strategy for high-risk, high-profile, and innovation-driven product categories.
- Ensure products meet quality, cost, calendar, construction, BOM, and manufacturability objectives.
- Translate designer intent into 3D and physical prototype samples while recommending construction and cost-engineering solutions, to support prototype development and reduce approval timelines and iterations.
- Own product specifications, BOM accuracy, style files, development records, samples, and production-ready documentation.
- Lead product reviews, teardowns, risk assessments, and commercialization readiness activities with cross-functional partners.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in garment engineering, construction methods, manufacturing feasibility, and technical execution.
- Collaborate with Technical Designer when construction adjustments affect fit.
- Resolve complex development issues, evaluate manufacturing risks, and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
- Partner with Sourcing, Costing, vendors, and manufacturers to align on construction, capabilities, timelines, and production readiness.
- Own the communication for product development, workmanship and construction of seasonal styles with sourcing and vendors.
- Support vendor capability discussions, factory onboarding, and the advancement of manufacturing best practices.
- Identify and lead process improvements, in constructions standards, calendar optimization, and special projects with minimal supervision.
- Mentor Associate and Mid-level Product Developers while supporting onboarding, technical training, and team alignment.
- Collaborate closely with the Technical Designers and Standards teams to align priorities, fit consistency, share expertise, and deliver best-in-class products.
- Travel seasonally to overseas manufacturers to support product execution, vendor alignment, and production readiness.
Benefits
- annual incentive plan
- sales incentive
- commission potential
- medical plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
