📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Associate, Retail Production
🔹 Company: The North Face (VF Corporation)
🔹 Location: Stabio, Switzerland
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the Go To Market process from launch to in-store execution
- Coordinating external communications and managing retail marketing campaigns
- Collaborating with global teams, VM, brand, creative, and retail operation managers
- Ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with a focus on sustainability
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting the Go To Market process from season's launch until in-store execution
✅ Coordinating external communications as the main point of contact for retail marketing campaign executions and bespoke retail projects
✅ Managing the production phase to ensure assets are delivered on time and on budget, with a focus on sustainability
✅ Briefing the seasonal assets creation for the EMEA region and supporting VM guidelines
✅ Monitoring the whole production process, timings, costs, and sustainability
✅ Preparing order forms, artworks production for rollout, and maintaining up-to-date budget sheets
✅ Providing monthly reports about window & POP overview, including relevant data
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
🎯 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 / visual merchandising, working with external vendors and agencies, preferably within the branded apparel or footwear industries.
Required Skills:
- Solid experience in project management supporting production processes, tender processes, and purchasing
- Demonstrate creative and technical design ability, competent in suitable visual packages and presentations
- 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 capabilities in fast problem-solving and organizational skills for managing many projects simultaneously
Preferred Skills:
- Digital marketing experience
- Brand marketing experience
- Additional European language
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in the branded apparel or footwear industries will be prioritized.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CHF 70,000 - 90,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Discount 50% on all VF brands
- Subsidized canteen
- On-site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Marketing Associate role in Switzerland with 3-5 years of experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1899
Company Description:
- VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear, and accessories companies
- Connects people to lifestyles, activities, and experiences through iconic outdoor, active, and workwear brands
- Powers movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and the planet
Company Specialties:
- Footwear
- Accessories
- Innovation
- Design
- Apparel
- Outdoor
- Active
- Sports
- Fashion
- Clothing
- Sustainability
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Supply Chain
- Brands
- And Retail
Company Website: http://www.vfc.com
ASSUMPTION: VF Corporation is a large, multinational company with a strong focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level Marketing role with opportunities for growth
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Retail Marketing Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the marketing department
- Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with international teams
- Chance to develop skills in digital marketing, brand marketing, and other related areas
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, corporate office
Office Location(s): Stabio, Switzerland
Geographic Context:
- Stabio is a small town in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland
- Located near the Italian border, offering a mix of Swiss and Italian culture
- Close to Lake Lugano and the Swiss Alps, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and multicultural, with a strong focus on teamwork and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Technical skills and industry knowledge
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your project management and creative design work
- Research the company and be ready to discuss your alignment with their mission and values
ATS Keywords: Project Management, Production Processes, Creative Development, Trade Marketing, Visual Communication, Visual Merchandising, Adobe Creative Pack, Office Package, Sustainability, Budget Management, Vendor Coordination
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the hiring manager and the current hiring needs of the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Pack (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Package (Power point, Excel)
- Key Notes
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies may change or evolve over time, depending on the company's needs and industry trends.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Powering movements of sustainable and active lifestyles
- Fostering a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity
- Supporting disadvantaged groups and providing equal opportunities
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and forward-thinking
- Focused on sustainability and corporate social responsibility
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with VF Corporation's purpose and values?
- How do you approach working in a multicultural and collaborative environment?
- How do you balance multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong cultural fit and alignment with the company's values will be prioritized.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
- Working with external vendors and agencies to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Navigating a large, multinational organization with diverse teams and cultures
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Retail Marketing Manager or a Visual Merchandising Manager, but with a stronger focus on project management and production processes
- Industry-specific context: The role is unique to the retail apparel and fashion industry, with a focus on high-end retail brand environments
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to opportunities in retail marketing, brand marketing, or management positions within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of project management, creative design, and marketing skills, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates looking to develop a well-rounded skill set in the retail apparel and fashion industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the production and rollout of seasonal marketing campaigns for The North Face's retail stores in the EMEA region
- Collaborating with global teams to develop and implement visual merchandising guidelines for The North Face's 4 walls environments
- Coordinating external communications and managing bespoke retail projects, such as seasonal windows, store customizations, POP material, instore videos, and store takeovers
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and the cross-functional nature of the role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing strategy for The North Face in the EMEA region?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does the company foster a culture of belonging and inclusion?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.
📌 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 and creative design work
- Research the company and be ready to discuss your alignment with their mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
