We're looking for a passionate Senior Designer to join The North Face, a VF Company to become part of the Design team based in Manchester, UK.
At The North Face we dare to lead the world forward through Exploration. We were born to Explore. We were born to Disrupt. We were born to Lead.
We believe that exploration is a mindset - both on mountain and off mountain - and it infuses everything we do. As a community of explorers, we stay curious about new ideas, places and people.

What You Will Do
In this role you will be reporting into the Senior Manager, Design & Development 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 focuses, innovative, influential and thrive in a team environment.
As a Senior 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. Strong communication skills with teammates across the organization, solution-oriented mindset & collaborative problem solving are key. Curiosity and the motivation to discover new methods of make will drive you. You will need to consistently demonstrate process proficiency through best practices and communication of ideas.
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 Senior Manager, Design, Development & Merchandising, to build seasonal concept, colour, collection and development strategy.
Partner with Merchandising team to 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.
Partner with the cross-function team to develop new materials, and construction techniques and support research into new developments.
Working closely and communicating daily on challenges and changes that arise during the development of styles. Partner with the Product Developer & Fit team to ensure a smooth work flow each season.
High level of fabric knowledge plus a strong technical understanding of fits and constructions.
Working to the Seasonal Calendar to meet deadlines.
Preparing all sketches (2D) for divisional presentations and workbooks.
Work closely within the teams to align design aesthetics, seasonal details and creative ideas.
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…
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.
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.

Bachelor Level degree (or equivalent) in Fashion Design.
Solid and verifiable Apparel Design experience across Men's & Women's.
Advanced presentation skills.
Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Advanced organization skills.
Advanced knowledge of fit and construction expertise.

Excellent attention to details.
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.
Fully capable to manage responsibilities & tasks without direction.
Must be flexible and adaptive to change.
Software skills: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft.
Languages: Excellent English communication & presentation skills.
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 countries organization.
A discount card with 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 support 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!

The North Face, a VF Company

Senior Designer

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