Manager, Materials Sourcing

About Your Role
We are looking for a proactive and collaborative
Material Manager
to lead a team focused on building strong partnerships with brand material development and product creation teams. This role is responsible for driving material excellence across apparel categories by aligning development strategies with business goals, while owning supplier performance and relationships to optimize the material supply base. The ideal candidate will bring strong industry knowledge, leadership experience, and a solution-oriented mindset to deliver innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Your Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include:
Brand & Product Creation Partnership
Act as the Primary contact for brand material development and product creation teams.
Ensure timely communication of material readiness, development status, and issue resolution.
Support the execution of seasonal material briefs and ensure alignment with product timelines.
Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
Manage supplier performance reviews using KPIs (quality, cost, delivery, innovation, sustainability).
Drive continuous improvement plans and corrective actions with underperforming suppliers.
Negotiate development priorities, lead times, and capacity planning with suppliers to support seasonal and long-term needs.
Material Development Management
Oversee the development and commercialization of materials across assigned categories.
Ensure materials meet technical specifications, compliance standards, and brand expectations.
Ensure testing, approvals, and documentation in PLM systems.
Material Supply Optimization
Monitor material lead times, sample order status, and delivery schedules.
Collaborate with sourcing and planning teams to ensure material availability and mitigate risks.
Support capacity planning and supplier allocation based on seasonal needs.
Sustainability & Innovation Support
Assist in identifying and integrating sustainable materials into the development pipeline.
Maintain awareness of new material technologies and supplier capabilities.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of material developers to ensure high performance, accountability, and continuous learning.
Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and support career development plans for team members.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that encourages innovation and ownership.
What We Will Be Looking For In You
Technical & Functional Expertise
Material Knowledge:
Deep understanding of textile construction, finishing, dyeing, and performance standards.
Supplier Management:
Skilled in managing global mill relationships, supplier scorecards, and performance improvement plans.
Sustainability Expertise:
Familiarity with sustainable materials, certifications (e.g., GRS, Bluesign, Oeko-Tex), and circular design principles.
Execution & Operational Focus
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple development timelines and deliverables.
Collaboration & Communication
Cross-Functional Partnership:
Proven ability to work across product creation, sourcing, planning, and brand teams.
Influence & Negotiation:
Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills with both internal teams and external suppliers.
Communication:
Clear and persuasive communicator, capable of presenting to senior leadership and external partners.
Our Leadership Expectations
Strategic Leadership:
Understands and can explain the organizational 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.
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 teams and with stakeholders. Understands cross-functional goals that support team objectives and business outcomes.
What You Can Expect From Us
Being 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 a best-in-class, work environment with well-being policies and workplace flexibility that supports you to show up and lean into life with your whole self – emotionally, physically and socially.
Statement on Diversity & 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 (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), 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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VF Diversity Vision Statement
VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. VF is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their 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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