The North Face: Senior Patternmaker, Apparel

At The North Face we dare to lead the world forward through Exploration. We were born to Explore, Disrupt and to Lead. We were born to Love Wild Places and to Spark Curiosity. We believe that exploration is a mindset - both on the mountain and off the mountain - and it infuses everything we do. As a community of explorers, we stay curious about new ideas, places, and people.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of adventure-loving people, The North Face just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit The North Face Careers or www.thenorthface.com.

Position: Sr. Patternmaker, Apparel

What will you do?

As a Senior Patternmaker, you will utilize your deep expertise related to patternmaking, block pattern development, grading, Standards and SOPs, manuals, workmanship, product fit to drive product consistency for The North Face. Harness your curiosity to research new product categories and drive the development, engineering, and fit execution for technologically advanced performance products of the highest level. You will work on Global Standards and Fit Initiatives which include competitive market research, competitive product fit reviews, high level expertise in pattern construction and grading, creating and evaluating fit blocks and analyzing consumer feedback to drive strong and consistent Brand fit. Utilize 2D Patternmaking CAD & 3D software and the Denver Proto Lab to bring new blocks and construction methods that will generate greater efficiencies and advancements in the development process. As part of a growing team of fit experts, you will support and mentor junior patternmakers and technical developers in fitting and patternmaking through active coaching, motivation, and technical training.

Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Create fit blocks that establish a recognizable TNF fit, utilizing Gerber 2D CAD system
• Evaluate, create and implement standard grade rules to ensure consistency in fit
• Develop TNF product standards and guidelines including fit intent guardrails, training documents, and grade rules
• Lead Seasonal block reviews with TD & Design and create fit presentations.
• Provide expertise in garment construction, garment technology, quality and fit, acting as a consultant on fit, sizing and pattern related topics
• Support the creation of digital assets 
• Contribute to and support the development and enhancement of systems to ensure Pattern/Fit requirements are met and to improve/innovate global product creation technologies
• Conduct Global fit projects and initiatives and work closely with cross-functional teams to understand the creative vision for each project and present findings from in depth research and analysis to these teams
• Maintain the development schedule of all projects and products to ensure a timely completion following the product development calendar
• Review, update and efficiently organize existing and newly created documents
• Familiar with 3D digital software such as Browzwear to provide visual representation of new silhouettes and blocks
• Collaborate with and influence Design as you research market trends and explore new technologies, materials, and construction methods
• Increase awareness and understanding of fit and quality drivers within the organization through the education and training of key business counterparts
• Guide the basic pattern direction and usage by working with the regional pattern teams to consolidate existing basic patterns and ensure basic pattern needs are aligned and are being met seasonally for various BUs.
• Guide and mentor team members & new hires (Pattern Makers / TD / Design) in pattern making, grading and fit
• Interpret creative design concepts and translate aesthetic requirements into products that function for the athlete and perform to the high standards for the TNF Brand
• Some travel overseas to manufacturers may be required

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 8+ years of experience in Technical Design/Product Development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor industry.