Associate Innovation Designer –VF: Apparel, Equipment & Footwear

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity.  So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture - visit VF Careers or www.vfc.com.  

What will you do? 

A day in the life of an Associate Innovation Designer at VF looks a little like this. 

The Associate Innovation Designer is an early-career design contributor who supports the creation of innovative product concepts across VF’s portfolio of brands and consumer categories. Working under the direction of designers and design leadership, this role helps translate consumer insights, brand vision, and emerging opportunities into concepts, prototypes, and design deliverables—building the foundational skills that fuel breakthrough product creation.

This is a role for a curious, detail-oriented maker who is eager to learn. You’ll support seasonal research, concept ideation, and hands-on prototyping across apparel, equipment, and footwear—partnering with cross-functional teammates on defined-scope work while developing your craft, your understanding of design process and brand DNA, and your ability to collaborate across the enterprise.

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

Design Support & Execution

• Support the design team with seasonal research, concept ideation, deck and tool updates, and product design on defined-scope, lower-complexity projects.
• Execute and create design deliverables with direction from designers and design leadership, ensuring accuracy and strong attention to detail.
• Contribute to tech packs, specifications, and documentation that keep concepts moving from idea toward prototype.

Concept & Prototyping Contribution

• Help translate consumer insights, trend signals, and brief direction into early concepts, sketches, and visual presentations.
• Build and iterate on foundational prototypes and models, learning both hands-on and digital making methods.
• Organize reference materials, material libraries, and concept assets that support reviews and decision-making.

Learning & Craft Development

• Focus on building foundational skills across the design process, systems, brand DNA, and brand culture.
• Develop an understanding of brand aesthetic, materials and technologies, fit, and silhouette across categories.
• Actively seek and apply feedback to strengthen craft, curiosity, and design thinking.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build collaborative relationships with designers, developers, engineers, and cross-functional partners.
• Participate in design reviews and working sessions, giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Support team momentum by reliably delivering defined tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Communication & Presentation

• Contribute to concept decks, mood boards, and presentation tools that communicate design intent.
• Present your own work at seasonal gates and team reviews with growing clarity and confidence.
• Maintain clear, organized documentation that helps teammates and downstream partners.

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 0-2 years of experience and professional achievements. 

The foundation skills you will need in this position are: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Apparel Design, Footwear Design, or a related field—or equivalent practical experience.
• 0–2 years of experience in product design, internships, or related design work, with a portfolio demonstrating creativity, craft, and potential.
• Foundational design skills, including sketching, visualization, and familiarity with design and prototyping tools.
• Basic understanding of materials, construction, and the product creation process.
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