Head of Product Development and Materials

Napapijiri is looking for an exceptional Head of Product Development and Materials to join our Product team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

For over 30 years, Napapijri has pioneered the future of fashion. From our Italian beginnings, innovating outdoor apparel in the shadow of Monte Bianco, to tackling nature’s most challenging environments on polar expeditions, our desire to lead the way is what makes us who we are.

Let’s Talk about the Role

You will oversee the apparel development organization, ensuring that seasonal brand direction, business priorities, sourcing capabilities, and quality standards are fully aligned. This position requires both strategic vision and hands-on execution, guiding the product creation calendar to consistently deliver against design intent, quality, margin, and timeline expectations.

You will inspire and lead your team, providing coaching and guidance to drive departmental and brand success. As Director of Product Development and Materials, you will collaborate closely with leaders in Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Innovation to maximize efficiency in calendar adherence, margin performance, product quality, and delivery outcomes.

Beyond execution, you will play a pivotal role in shaping business growth by developing product category strategies across seasons and channels, aligned with brand objectives, sourcing capabilities, and quality standards. Partnering with key stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to expand commercial growth through a comprehensive and balanced product offering.

How You Will Make a Difference

You will achieve this by:

• Drive product category strategies by season and channel, aligned with business objectives and growth targets.

• Build, lead, and manage Product Development and Material strategies, ensuring effective implementation across teams and vendors.

• Define and manage the operating budget for the department, balancing innovation with cost efficiency.

• Partner with leaders in Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Innovation, Operations, and Commercial functions to maximize efficiency, margin, quality, and delivery rates.

• Implement and monitor product development programs, including raw material commercialization, fit, calendar, and color adherence.

• Lead brand product innovation through continuous research into new materials, technologies, and product functionalities.

• Drive the creative cycle by providing trend guidelines to Design, Material, and Merchandising teams.

• Ensure accuracy and integrity of product specifications throughout the development process.

• Understand and analyze global market trends, shifts, drivers, and downturns to inform product strategies.

• Provide insights and feedback to Product, Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing teams to continuously improve product plans and go-to-market tools.

• Leverage the brand DNA of style and sustainability to meet relevant consumer trends and expectations.

• Ensure team compliance with seasonal timeline milestones, recommending and sharing calendar adjustments as needed.

• Manage the seasonal product workflow in alignment with GTM timelines

• Collaborate with sourcing teams on vendor allocation, pricing challenges, and production issues to optimize outcomes.

• Deliver targets in gross margin, efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings during development and GTM stages.

• Lead, coach, and develop Product Development and Materials teams (10+ members), fostering collaboration and high performance.

• Unlock and build digital product creation processes

• Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills for Success

• Extended and solid experience in Product Development in a medium or large sized apparel company

• Strong knowledge of product development processes including design, costing, manufacturing and sourcing, preferably with Asian based production and cut/sewn category

• Strong project planning and management skills, ability to develop and manage multiple timelines and deadlines

• Experience with Product Data Management systems (ie. Enovia) preferred

• Creates a strong, collaborative and supportive work culture where people can achieve objectives and fulfil their job expectations

• Strong project planning and management skills, ability to develop and manage multiple timelines and deadlines

• Creates a strong, collaborative and supportive work culture where people can achieve objectives and fulfil their job expectations

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

• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

• 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 foster a culture of belonging based on respect, openness, connection, and authenticity. We celebrate diversity and support equal opportunities for all associates and applicants.