The North Face: Sr. Design Manager, Technical Equipment (Technical Packs, Tents and Sleeping Bags)

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.

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led company, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and authenticity. We celebrate the diversity of our associates and are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels they can bring their full selves to work every day.

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.
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