Manager, Materials Library

Overview
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 the Material Sourcing team, sourcing leaders, and suppliers to ensure the library is a high-performing, future-ready asset.
Responsibilities
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.
Leadership Expectations
Strategic Leadership
Understands and can explain the organization vision and strategic goals to the team, and how daily operations relate to achieving 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 and 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 ensures 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.
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.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At VF, we foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences of our associates, customers, suppliers, and communities. VF is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status or any other legally protected factor.
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