The North Face: Senior Product Testing Analyst, Footwear

Join the North Face Family
The North Face was built on a love for the outdoors and the desire to enable all types of exploration, for all people, from their backyards to the Himalayas. Over the last 50 years we've lived by our "true north," the belief that exploration has the power to change us, to challenge us and to help us see the world from new perspectives. To help ignite a global movement of outdoor exploration, love for the natural world and an unwavering commitment to protect it, we welcome and encourage new participants to the outdoors. We extend our reach through support of non-profit organizations, establishing programs that connect participants with close-to-home recreation opportunities, and creating a connection with young leaders, inspiring them to explore and conserve.
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 the way we make our products by improving our environmental performance and social responsibility in the supply chain.

Position: Senior Product Testing Analyst, Footwear (Global TNF)
How You Will Make a Difference
The primary responsibilities of the Sr. Product Test Analyst Footwear are to ensure all aspects of our product are thoroughly tested subjectively and objectively. This role is to aid the product creation teams in ensuring each project meets the intended consumer expectation for performance, fit, durability, and the overall experience. The role is responsible coordinate with all 3rd party testing groups, or our external advance development group (e.g. All Triangles), and the appropriate level of tester for each given project.
What you will do:

• Manage the Product Testing process for subjective and objective testing.
• Conduct all fit tests from initial stages of the product creation process through commercialization.
• Distribute field test samples to product testers during each stage gate of development, compile and analyze the results, deliver these results to a diverse product creation team.
• Run and maintain Instron impact testing machine and software - create reports that help Footwear Development evaluate our performance foams.
• Lead for the 3D printer utilized by multiple divisions and / or brands.
• Manage maintenance.
• Establish and manage the printing queue prioritization.
• Maintain printing materials (budget and acquisitions)
• Create SOP for operation - shared resources.
• Create, maintain, and improve the Last Library
• Website with last data for design, category management, and development (i.e. templates, specification sheets).
• Create last descriptors for quick references to last variances.

How you will do it:

• The Sr. Product Testing Analyst is responsible for managing and maintaining the footwear product testers (from TNF sponsored athletes to recreational end users), growing those that truly help pre-predict the level of experience intended for a given project.
• This role is also responsible for managing the objective testing of performance foams, or other materials that make up performance components within our DEN RiNo Test Lab. Overseeing the actual Instron Testing or coordinating external partners for objective test required.
• The goal is that the Sr. Product Test Analyst is the product creation teams trusted resource of ensuring that our products meet the intended end use deliverable.

What success looks like:

• Build a consistent Testing program and reporting process aligned with AT. (Field/Lab/Athletes) for new product introduction (summit).
• Establish a seasonal fit testing experience for the FTW organization. (5 key styles in multiple sizes for fit and wear experience)
• Determine 5-6 Key styles each season, when there is a full production run, get 1 pair of each for everyone on the footwear team, in the 5 different styles, do a fit trial and experience.
• Execute all new products including Quick Strike, Bring Back, and SMU against all milestones (PR and LL) in a timely manner to allow for all testing needs to be met.
• Own performance/first feel in all products (Lifestyle and Performance products)
  • Rigorously test all product types, both lifestyle and performance to high standards.
  • Ensuring all products are tested, reports are clear, concise, and distributed in a timely manner with executive summaries, table of contents, competitor benchmarking, clear reporting, pre-season share outs prior to design phasing "What's working, what's not" to inform new designs based on prior findings.

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.
Skills for Success
Years of Related Professional Experience: 3-5 Years
Educational Position Requirements:
A formal education and subsequent undergraduate/graduate degrees are nice to have, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
What we expect you already know:

• Must be detail oriented but able to present the big picture.
• Works effectively within a team.
• Self-motivated, able to manage themselves, the projects, and multiple parties
• Influential in building positive partnerships with cross functional teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of footwear construction, materials/fabrics, and how these influence end use experiences.
• Understands materials, fit, function, and end use requirements.
• Forward thinking and strategic skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to handle multiple priorities in efficient manner.
• Demonstrable successes in managing Product Testing, testers, analytics, and presentation of the knowledge gained from testing footwear products.

VF Guiding Principles: Live with Integrity, Act Courageously, Be Curious, Act with Empathy, and Persevere.
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. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on "Looking to Join VF?" to learn more.
Our Parent Company, VF Corporation
VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It's the reason we come to work every day. It's a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com.
We just have one question. Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$69,984.00 USD - $87,480.00 USD annually
Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.
Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.