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At The North Face we dare to lead the world forward through Exploration. We were born to Explore, Disrupt and to Lead. We were born to Love Wild Places and to Spark Curiosity. We believe that exploration is a mindset - both on the mountain and off the mountain - and it infuses everything we do. As a community of explorers, we stay curious about new ideas, places, and people.
So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of adventure-loving people, The North Face just may be the place for you.
To learn more about our values and our culture, visit The North Face Careers or www.thenorthface.com.
Product Developer, Equipment (Packs/Travel/Duffels)
What will you do?
A day in the life of a Product Developer at The North Face looks a little like this.
The Product Developer, Equipment is responsible for the technical development and commercialization of The North Face packs, travel bags, and duffels - from concept handoff through production. This hands-on role ensures products meet performance, durability, quality, and manufacturing standards while reviewing vendor costing to support margin and pricing goals. This role partners closely with Design, Product Management, Materials, Sourcing, Quality, and global vendors, using FlexPLM as the system of record and Adobe Illustrator for technical communication.
Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.
Own development of assigned styles from prototype through buy readiness (Proto → SMS → Preproduction).
Translate design intent into executable construction: patterning, reinforcement strategies, binding/taping execution, foam/structure selection: (e.g., framesheets/stays), and hardware/zipper/trim specifications.
Create and maintain development documentation including tech packs, BOMs, measurements, construction callouts, labeling, and packaging requirements.
Review samples and provide clear vendor feedback on construction, workmanship, function, and durability.
Troubleshoot build issues and lead root-cause analysis/corrective actions (e.g., stitch failure, zipper issues, abrasion, delamination, shape distortion, hardware failures).
Create and maintain accurate, timely style data in FlexPLM (BOM integrity, material/trim codes, measurements, colorways, sample tracking, approvals).
Manage development timelines and ensure on-time completion of key milestones.
Partner with Design and Product Management to align on trade-offs, risks, and changes while protecting brand-right execution.
Review and analyze vendor quotes/cost breakdowns (materials, trims, labor, overhead, packaging).
Identify cost drivers and propose value engineering options while maintaining performance and durability.
Collaborate with Sourcing and Product Management to support margin targets and pricing architecture.
Partner with Materials to select performance-appropriate and sustainability-aligned fabrics, foams, webbings, coatings/finishes, and hardware.
Support wear and lab testing (e.g., seam strength, abrasion, zipper/hardware durability, water resistance where applicable).
Ensure products meet quality, labeling/packaging, restricted substances, and regional compliance requirements.
Champion durability-by-design and continuous improvement based on testing and field/consumer feedback.
Create/refine construction diagrams, callouts, artwork placements, label layouts, and stitch/reinforcement maps as needed.
Ensure vendors receive clear visuals aligned to specifications and brand standards.
What do you need to succeed?
We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3+ years of product development experience in equipment/hardgoods (preferably packs, bags, luggage, travel, or outdoor soft goods).
The foundation skills you will need in this position are:
Strong technical knowledge of bag construction and components (fabrics/laminates, foams, mesh, webbing, zippers, buckles/hardware, binding, seam taping/welding where applicable).
Experience analyzing vendor costing and communicating cost drivers/trade-offs.
Proficiency with FlexPLM (or equivalent PLM) and strong data discipline.
Working proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical diagrams and/or artwork placement.
Strong communication skills with global vendor partners; able to give precise, actionable sample feedback.
Ability to manage multiple styles and hit development gates.
There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.
Experience supporting global development across regions and factory types.
Familiarity with testing standards and common failure modes in packs/travel/duffels.
Experience supporting sustainability initiatives (preferred/recycled materials, packaging reduction, durability/repair considerations).
Now WE have a question for YOU.
Are you in?
#LI-DD1
Hiring Range:
$86,400.00 USD - $108,000.00 USD annuallyIncentive 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.
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 hiring 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.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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