The North Face:
VF Corporation: Sr. Innovation Developer Job in Alameda, VT
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Alameda, VT
Full-time | Development - Product
About the job
Job Description
SUMMARY
VF Corp, a $12 billion apparel and footwear powerhouse, has an incredibly diverse, international portfolio of brands and products that reach consumers wherever they choose to shop. VFs strategy begins with a passion for products and a deep understanding of consumers. With our expertise in both the art and science of apparel, we have built a sustainable base for continued long-term success.
VFs goal is to shape the future of apparel and footwear and product innovation is one of the key growth drivers for our longterm growth vision. VF has embarked on building a Global Innovation Network to develop gamechanging advancements in apparel, footwear and accessories for its 30plus brands.
Reporting to the Sr. Director, Apparel Innovation Concepts, the Sr. Innovation Developer works closely with all functions within the Innovation Network including design, materials, sampling, advanced manufacturing, and brand leads on projects defined in our 35 year Innovation strategy. A successful candidate loves to tinker and explore new methods of make, pushing fresh concepts in the realm of apparel product creation, and is a product development expert proven to understand all aspects of globally manufactured, technical product. The talent and enthusiasm to creatively drive technical innovation projects and ability to envision future opportunities around apparel product innovation is a must. Given the complex nature of technical innovation concepts in apparel, the role requires strong knowledge in technical fit, construction and manufacturing, as well as a thorough understanding of product test methodologies to build detailed specifications and drive visions through to final production.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with innovation project managers, designers, materials innovators and advanced manufacturing teams, to effectively execute on product development goals and deliverables.
Help lead the design and execution of experiments to understand key variables between material, fit, process, tooling, and equipment.
Manage, track, and facilitate sampling, prototyping, and wear-testing for projects with internal and external sampling facilities.
Remain abreast of market trends, category goals, new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process and engage appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.
Prepare and refine tech packs for global vendors.
Connect with testing labs and local manufacturing facilities.
Develop products to meet price targets.
Meet and track costs for projected deadlines.
Create and maintain appropriate documentation for assigned concepts including product specs, costing, prototype details and BOMs.
Support designers with final prototypes to complete products.
Liaise with global vendors, local makers and consultants across multiple projects.
Adhere to and keep track of product production and calendars. Monitor and communicate progress and challenges throughout the process to meet product integrity requirements.
Book fit and fashion models. Prepare for photo shoots or exhibitions.
Provide onsite support for workshops or product testing sessions.
Liaise with Innovation Network to connect with multi-disciplinary teams from Bio-mechanics to Product testing facilities.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
6+ years of global product development and/or manufacturing experience.
4 year college or technical degree or equivalent experience in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Footwear or Apparel Design, Pattern Making, Textile Science or related field.
Experience with garment fit, construction, materials and technical applications are essential.
Solid understanding of all facets of global product creation including product development, BOM and specification creation, material applications, sustainability, costing, and timeline management. Demonstrate experience with garment fit, technical construction and manufacturing as well as a thorough understanding of test methodology for performance and quality.
Strong understanding of product commercialization process, product testing and quality assurance.
Experience with material's physical property testing, garment testing and wear testing processes.
Product Development Tools (BOM), Microsoft Office tools, Adobe Illustrator, Project Tracking tools.
3d design skills preferred.
Ability to handle complex technical products through multiple manufacturing mediums, textiles, plastics, print & 3d.
Basic understanding of pattern drafting.
Outerwear, outdoor and/or technical product experience preferred.
Knowledge of international trade and regulations preferred.
Ability to work successfully across multi-disciplined teams including, design, materials, technical design, sample room, and manufacturing.
Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to present and host meetings.
Proactive and self-motivated.
Highly organized.
Ability to navigate and thrive in ambiguity.
SUMMARY
VF Corp, a $12 billion apparel and footwear powerhouse, has an incredibly diverse, international portfolio of brands and products that reach consumers wherever they choose to shop. VFs strategy begins with a passion for products and a deep understanding of consumers. With our expertise in both the art and science of apparel, we have built a sustainable base for continued long-term success.
VFs goal is to shape the future of apparel and footwear and product innovation is one of the key growth drivers for our longterm growth vision. VF has embarked on building a Global Innovation Network to develop gamechanging advancements in apparel, footwear and accessories for its 30plus brands.
Reporting to the Sr. Director, Apparel Innovation Concepts, the Sr. Innovation Developer works closely with all functions within the Innovation Network including design, materials, sampling, advanced manufacturing, and brand leads on projects defined in our 35 year Innovation strategy. A successful candidate loves to tinker and explore new methods of make, pushing fresh concepts in the realm of apparel product creation, and is a product development expert proven to understand all aspects of globally manufactured, technical product. The talent and enthusiasm to creatively drive technical innovation projects and ability to envision future opportunities around apparel product innovation is a must. Given the complex nature of technical innovation concepts in apparel, the role requires strong knowledge in technical fit, construction and manufacturing, as well as a thorough understanding of product test methodologies to build detailed specifications and drive visions through to final production.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with innovation project managers, designers, materials innovators and advanced manufacturing teams, to effectively execute on product development goals and deliverables.
Help lead the design and execution of experiments to understand key variables between material, fit, process, tooling, and equipment.
Manage, track, and facilitate sampling, prototyping, and wear-testing for projects with internal and external sampling facilities.
Remain abreast of market trends, category goals, new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process and engage appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.
Prepare and refine tech packs for global vendors.
Connect with testing labs and local manufacturing facilities.
Develop products to meet price targets.
Meet and track costs for projected deadlines.
Create and maintain appropriate documentation for assigned concepts including product specs, costing, prototype details and BOMs.
Support designers with final prototypes to complete products.
Liaise with global vendors, local makers and consultants across multiple projects.
Adhere to and keep track of product production and calendars. Monitor and communicate progress and challenges throughout the process to meet product integrity requirements.
Book fit and fashion models. Prepare for photo shoots or exhibitions.
Provide onsite support for workshops or product testing sessions.
Liaise with Innovation Network to connect with multi-disciplinary teams from Bio-mechanics to Product testing facilities.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
6+ years of global product development and/or manufacturing experience.
4 year college or technical degree or equivalent experience in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Footwear or Apparel Design, Pattern Making, Textile Science or related field.
Experience with garment fit, construction, materials and technical applications are essential.
Solid understanding of all facets of global product creation including product development, BOM and specification creation, material applications, sustainability, costing, and timeline management. Demonstrate experience with garment fit, technical construction and manufacturing as well as a thorough understanding of test methodology for performance and quality.
Strong understanding of product commercialization process, product testing and quality assurance.
Experience with material's physical property testing, garment testing and wear testing processes.
Product Development Tools (BOM), Microsoft Office tools, Adobe Illustrator, Project Tracking tools.
3d design skills preferred.
Ability to handle complex technical products through multiple manufacturing mediums, textiles, plastics, print & 3d.
Basic understanding of pattern drafting.
Outerwear, outdoor and/or technical product experience preferred.
Knowledge of international trade and regulations preferred.
Ability to work successfully across multi-disciplined teams including, design, materials, technical design, sample room, and manufacturing.
Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to present and host meetings.
Proactive and self-motivated.
Highly organized.
Ability to navigate and thrive in ambiguity.