Marketing Associate, Retail Production - THE NORTH FACE

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Associate, Retail Production

🔹 Company: The North Face

🔹 Location: Stabio, Switzerland

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting The North Face Go To Market process from launch to in-store execution
• Coordinating external communications and managing retail marketing campaign executions
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external agencies to deliver projects on time and on budget
• Developing and maintaining seasonal toolkits and VM guidelines for the EMEA region
• Monitoring production processes with a focus on timings, costs, and sustainability

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience in project management, production processes, and working with external vendors is crucial for success in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting full-price, outlets, and partner stores briefing, project management, and rollout

✅ Managing retail marketing tasks such as windows, POP, store environment, sale graphics, and commercial POS

✅ Overseeing prototype and production phases, ensuring sustainable choices and cost-effectiveness

✅ Monitoring production processes, timings, costs, and sustainability

✅ Preparing order forms, artworks, and monthly newsletters

✅ Maintaining up-to-date budget sheets and providing regular project updates and reports

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking and requires strong attention to detail, as well as the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with various teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Degree in Design, Architecture, or Marketing

Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years' experience in project management, production processes, tender processes and purchasing, creative development, trade marketing, visual communication, working with external vendors and agencies, preferably within the branded apparel or footwear industries.

Required Skills:

• Solid experience in project management supporting production processes
• Demonstrable creative and technical design ability
• Sound knowledge of high-end retail brand environments
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels
• Proficiency in Office Package (Power point and Excel), Key Notes, Adobe Creative Pack
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills

Preferred Skills:

• Digital marketing experience
• Brand marketing experience
• Additional European language

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a relevant field is required, the company may consider candidates with equivalent experience and a strong portfolio.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the company's size and industry standards, the estimated salary range for this role is CHF 70,000 - 90,000 per year. This is an assumption and the actual salary may vary.

Benefits:

• Discount of 50% on all VF brands
• Subsidized canteen
• On-site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The working hours may vary depending on project deadlines and business needs.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The North Face operates in the retail apparel and fashion industry, focusing on outdoor, active, and workwear brands. The company is a subsidiary of VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear, and accessories companies.

Company Size: The North Face is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees globally. This size allows for a more collaborative work environment and opportunities for growth.

Founded: The North Face was founded in 1966 in Berkeley, California, and has since grown into a global brand known for its high-quality outdoor gear and apparel.

Company Description:

• The North Face is an iconic lifestyle brand that empowers exploration and connects people to the lifestyles, activities, and experiences they cherish most.
• The company is committed to sustainable and active lifestyles, as well as protecting wild places.
• The North Face fosters a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity.

Company Specialties:

• Technical gear for alpine climbing, rock climbing, running, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking
• Sustainable and innovative product design
• Community engagement and environmental stewardship

Company Website: The North Face

ASSUMPTION: The North Face is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which is reflected in its product design and business practices.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, offering opportunities for growth and development within the marketing department and the broader organization.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing Associate, Retail Production, reports directly to the Retail Marketing Manager and collaborates with various teams, including Brand, Creative, Retail Operations, Global, and Visual Merchandising.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression within the marketing department or other functions within The North Face or VF Corporation
• Expanding skills and expertise through collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Gaining experience in a global organization with opportunities to work on international projects

ASSUMPTION: The North Face values internal mobility and offers opportunities for employees to grow and develop within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The North Face European Headquarters in Stabio, Switzerland, offers a modern and collaborative work environment with on-site amenities such as a subsidized canteen and an on-site gym.

Office Location(s): The North Face European Headquarters is located in Stabio, Switzerland, with additional offices in Denver, Colorado, and Montreal, Quebec.

Geographic Context:

• Stabio is a small town in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Swiss Alps
• The region offers easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking
• Stabio is approximately 30 minutes from the Italian border and offers a mix of Swiss and Italian culture

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. The work schedule may vary depending on project deadlines and business needs.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at The North Face is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on teamwork and open communication.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Retail Marketing Manager

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Cultural fit and alignment with The North Face values
• Technical skills and experience in project management, production processes, and working with external vendors

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of The North Face brand and its commitment to exploration, sustainability, and community engagement
• Prepare examples of your project management experience and how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously

ATS Keywords: Marketing Associate, Retail Production, Project Management, Production Processes, Tender Processes, Purchasing, Creative Development, Trade Marketing, Visual Communication, Visual Merchandising, External Vendors, Agencies, Adobe Creative Pack, Office Package

ASSUMPTION: The North Face uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Pack (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Office Package (Power point, Excel, Word)
• Key Notes
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is preferred, but not always required. The North Face may provide training and support for employees to develop their skills in these areas.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• United by a passion for exploration
• Committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility
• Driven by innovation and continuous improvement

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Focus on teamwork and open communication
• Support for work-life balance and employee well-being

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with The North Face's commitment to exploration and sustainability?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners?
• How do you balance multiple projects and prioritize your workload to ensure timely delivery?

ASSUMPTION: The North Face values employees who are passionate about exploration, committed to sustainability, and driven by innovation. Candidates who can demonstrate a strong cultural fit and alignment with the company's values are more likely to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Adapting to a dynamic work environment with changing priorities and demands
• Working in a global organization with diverse teams and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: The North Face offers a fast-paced and dynamic work environment that requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique within The North Face and focuses specifically on retail marketing and production for the EMEA region
• Similar roles within the company may include Retail Marketing Manager, Creative Environment Coordinator, or Global Brand Manager
• Career progression may involve moving into a management role or expanding into other marketing functions within The North Face or VF Corporation

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in retail marketing and production for a global brand, with potential for growth and development within the organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing the rollout of a seasonal campaign across multiple channels and regions
• Coordinating with external vendors and agencies to produce high-quality assets on time and on budget
• Developing and maintaining seasonal toolkits and VM guidelines for the EMEA region

ASSUMPTION: The projects listed are examples of the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role. The specific projects and priorities may vary depending on business needs and the current product lifecycle.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader marketing strategy for The North Face?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does The North Face support work-life balance and employee well-being?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the marketing department or the broader organization?
• How does The North Face approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in its business practices?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the company's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your project management experience and how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously
• Be ready to discuss your alignment with The North Face's values and commitment to exploration, sustainability, and community engagement
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.