The North Face
posted 2 months ago
Full-time - Senior
Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers
About the position
The North Face is seeking a Senior Design Manager for its Technical Equipment team, responsible for leading the design of innovative products such as technical packs, tents, and sleeping bags. This role involves setting a visionary direction for the team, ensuring high performance and sustainability in product design, and mentoring a talented group of designers. The position emphasizes collaboration across various functions to deliver products that meet consumer needs while upholding the brand's legacy of outdoor innovation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design strategy within the Technical Equipment team, ensuring all products reflect The North Face's history 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.
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice-to-haves
- 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.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package supporting mental, physical, and financial well-being.
- Incentive potential including annual incentive plans, sales incentives, or commission potential.
