Senior Designer - THE NORTH FACE

We’re looking for a passionate Senior Women’s & Youth Designer to join The North Face, a VF Company to become part of the Design team based in Manchester, UK.

The North Face fundamental mission remains unchanged since 1966:

“Provide the best gear for our athletes and the modern day explorer, support the preservation of the outdoors, and inspire a global movement of exploration.”

What You Will Do

In this role, you will be reporting into the Design Manager and will be responsible for the design of garments within the sportswear & activewear SMU apparel collection for JD Sports.

Partnering within the Design, Development, and Merchandising teams, you will play a central role in creating seasonal newness and evolving the existing range. You need to be passionate about sportswear and activewear, be consumer-focused, innovative, influential, and thrive in a team environment.

As a Senior Women’s & Youth Designer for The North Face, you will create the future of premium outdoors-inspired sportswear through innovative aesthetic execution. You will have a passion for the outdoors, innovation & a connection to JD consumer specific street culture.

Primary accountabilities:

• Be a central, hands-on member of the Design team, establishing design & product creation excellence for the EMEA division via the Manchester Product Creation Hub.
• Research performance, outdoor & sportswear trends and stay up to date on contemporary styles & cultures, target consumer, wearing occasions & market opportunities.
• Work closely with Design Manager, Design, Development & Merchandising to build seasonal concept, colour, collection, and development strategy, as well as manage SKU plan, considering commercial needs, key price points, and business opportunities.
• Create brand-right/market-relevant product that meets expectations in terms of value and cost.
• Work closely and communicate daily on challenges and changes that arise during the development of styles. Partner with the Product Developer & Fit team to ensure a smooth workflow each season.
• High level of fabric knowledge plus a strong technical understanding of fits and constructions.
• Prepare all sketches (2D) for divisional presentations and workbooks.
• Drive agile decision-making on prototype reviews and have a strong knowledge of pricing & fit.
• In line with The North Face sustainability goals, play an active role in researching and introducing innovations to help achieve these.

How You’ll Make A Difference…

We are looking for a real team player who brings in creative and positive energy. The North Face product team is dynamic, strong, and creative, and we are looking for an inspiring personality that is full of energy and wants to push The North Face forward.

• Strong apparel design experience.
• Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Advanced organization and presentational skills.
• Advanced knowledge of fit and construction expertise.
• Strong eye for trends in sportswear, streetwear, and outdoor environments.
• Ability to build strong relationships with direct colleagues and across departments.
• Able to find the best solutions to problems and inspire new working methods.
• A proactive, self-starter with strong communication skills.
• Experience working with overseas factories and fabric suppliers.
• Software skills: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft.
• Fluent in English.
• Ability to travel internationally, if required.

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.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do.
• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities love working together.
• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi-brand, multi-country organization.
• Discount -50% on all VF brands.
• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks.

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.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to supporting disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team, then we would like to hear from you!

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