What are the responsibilities and job description for the The North Face: Sr. Design Manager, Technical Equipment (Technical Packs, Tents and Sleeping Bags) position at The North Face?
Join the Best-in-Class Technical Equipment Design Team at The North Face.
Lead and inspire the design team responsible for creating best-in-class technical products such as packs, tents, and sleeping bags. With over 50 years of innovation and exploration, you'll draw from consumer needs, as well as The North Face’s legacy of pioneering outdoor gear, to set a visionary direction for your team. As a Senior Design Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of product design, ensuring the highest level of performance, sustainability, and outdoor innovation.
Join The North Face Family
The North Face was built on a love for the outdoors and the desire to enable exploration for all people, from backyards to the highest peaks. Over the last 50 years, we have embraced our "true north"—a belief that exploration transforms us, challenges us, and offers new perspectives. We inspire a global movement of outdoor exploration, respect for nature, and a commitment to sustainability. As we enter our sixth decade, we pledge to :
- Empower exploration and the thrill of the unknown for as many people as possible.
- Protect the places where we live, play, and operate.
- Evolve our products by improving environmental performance and social responsibility in the supply chain.
How You Will Make a Difference
As a Senior Design Manager, your role goes beyond the day-to-day management of design projects. You will play a strategic part in shaping the vision and development of technical equipment that upholds The North Face’s legacy of innovation. You will lead, mentor, and develop a highly talented and motivated team, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative products that meet consumer needs while driving the future of outdoor gear design.
What You Will Do :
Lead the design strategy within the Technical Equipment team, ensuring that all products reflect The North Face's history, innovation, and future goals.
Manage design processes and project timelines, balancing technical performance with cutting-edge design aesthetics.
Collaborate across functions including Product Management, Development, and Materials teams to deliver high-quality, functional, and visually compelling products.
Drive innovation through material selection, technology integration, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring all designs meet both performance and environmental standards.
How You Will Do It :
Set a clear vision for the team, balancing market trends with consumer insights and maintaining a deep understanding of outdoor sports and performance needs.
Mentor and lead your team by fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Incorporate feedback from internal teams and consumers to refine designs throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring each product meets both functional and aesthetic goals.
Present confidently to leadership, providing design rationale and strategic insights backed by research and analysis.
What Success Looks Like :
Communication : Superior communication skills, both visual and verbal, including concept sketching, Illustrator tech packing, presentation delivery, 3D modeling, and storytelling.
Collaboration : Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, from development and materials to marketing and merchandising, to align on product goals and ensure cohesive design execution.
Leadership : Oversee and manage the performance and development of your team, ensuring that all deliverables are met on time and at the highest level of quality.
Skills for Success :
Bachelor’s degree in industrial / product design or equivalent.
10 years of experience in technical pack or outdoor equipment design, with a strong understanding of outdoor product performance needs.
5 years of experience managing design teams, including mentorship, coaching, and development.
Expertise in product construction, technical pack suspension systems, and material selection, including advanced knowledge of trims and fabrics.
Proven leadership experience in driving design innovation and leading cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills :
Experience with large organizations and working across complex, cross-functional environments.
Advanced experience with 3D modeling and rendering.
Tent and sleeping bag design expertise.
A passion for outdoor activities and an understanding of outdoor consumer needs.
What’s In It for You :
We believe in unleashing human potential, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the mental, physical, and financial well-being of all VF associates. Learn more about our benefits at MyVFBenefits.com.
Our Parent Company, VF Corporation :
VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear, and accessories companies, connecting people to the lifestyles they love. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and the planet. This purpose guides our work and unites us across brands and geographies. Learn more at vfc.com.
Hiring Range : $109,728.00 USD - $137,160.00 USD annually
Incentive 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 are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities 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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Salary : $109,728 - $137,160
