Manager, Material Library

Roles & Responsibilities

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

The Manager, Global Materials Library is responsible for the day-to-day management and optimization of VF's centralized materials library across apparel brands. Reporting to the Director of Material Library, this role leads a small team of fabric developers and plays a key role in executing material lifecycle strategies, maintaining physical and digital libraries, and supporting cross-brand collaboration. You will collaborate closely with Material Sourcing team, sourcing leaders, and suppliers to ensure the library is a high-performing, future-ready asset.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Library Operations & Lifecycle Management

• Manage the circulation, inventory, and lifecycle planning of materials in collaboration with brand and sourcing teams.
• Ensure physical libraries are maintained in strategic global locations and are accessible to product teams.
• Oversee the evaluation of material quality and performance to ensure alignment with sustainability, innovation, and cost goals.
• Conduct regular audits to identify material overlaps, underutilized items, and opportunities for consolidation.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of 1–2 fabric developers, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment of team activities with the strategic direction set by the Director and Senior Manager of Material Library.

Governance & Process Execution

• Support the implementation of standardized processes to rationalize material development requests and reduce redundancies.
• Maintain accurate metadata and data attributes to enable material consolidation and strategic leverage.
• Participate in seasonal and lifecycle core material reviews to assess relevance and usage.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as a key point of contact for brand teams and material development leaders to access core materials and information.
• Collaborate with sourcing, product development, and sustainability teams to align on material needs and priorities.
• Support the execution of the Tier 2 mill matrix strategy and supplier alignment initiatives.

Digital Tools & Data Analytics

• Maintain and update digital material library platforms and databases.
• Support the development of analytics tools to track material utilization, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT and digital innovation teams to enhance system capabilities and user experience.

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of fabric types, construction, finishing, and performance characteristics.
• Experience in material development, sourcing, and lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with sustainability standards and innovation in textile materials.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Proven ability to lead and develop small teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across teams and suppliers.

Analytical & Strategic Thinking

• Strong analytical mindset with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to manage complex projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with PLM, ERP, or material library systems is a plus.

OUR EXPECTATION FOR DEMONSTATING LEADERSHIP:

· Strategic Leadership

- Understands and has ability to explain organization vision and strategic goals to the team, and how daily operations activities related to achieving overall direction

- Participates in planning and prioritization; identifies opportunities to improve effectiveness through cross-functional collaboration

· Growing People & Teams

- Supports employee performance and development through coaching and feedback.

- Encourages collaboration and shared learning to strengthen team performance

- Leads by example, demonstrating continuous improvement and adaptability

· Driving Results

- Focuses on achieving objectives through execution against aligned processes and ways of working

- Anticipates & prevents problems that could impact team performance

- Proactively seeks solutions to solve problems effectively to maintain team performance.

· Partnership

- Works effectively with peers and partners, provides constructive feedback to drive achievement of shared goals

- Builds strong relationships and ensure clear, transparent communication within their teams and with stakeholders.

- Understands cross functional goals that support team objectives and business outcomes.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Being a part of a movement that is Purpose led which enables us to have a positive impact on communities around the world, it gives greater meaning to the work we do.
• Working with a team of diverse and sharp minds that work with an inclusive and global mindset because our differences are what make us stronger together.
• Providing you with the best in class, work environment, well-being policies and work place flexibility that is about helping you show up and lean into life with your whole self – emotionally, physically and socially.

Tell employers what skills you have

Archives
Leadership
Consolidation
Inventory
Digital Libraries
Adaptability
Team Leadership
Wellbeing
Driving Results
Metadata
Data Analytics
Databases
Circulation
Apparel
Global Mindset

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