Senior Manager, Materials and Mill Strategy

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

The Senior Manager, Material Strategy and Mill Portfolio plays a critical role in shaping and executing VF’s global material sourcing strategy across apparel brands. This role is responsible for building a strategically aligned mill base by leveraging Supplier Performance Management (SPM) data and brand-specific sourcing inputs. The Senior Manager will translate business needs into actionable strategies that empower the Material Sourcing teams to lead execution with confidence, efficiency, and alignment to cost, quality, innovation, and sustainability goals.

• Develop and maintain a strategically segmented mill base that supports VF’s Apparel Sourcing strategy.
• Incorporate SPM results (e.g., quality, delivery, costing, innovation, sustainability) to evaluate and optimize Tier 2 supplier performance.
• Partner with Material Sourcing teams to gather business inputs and translate them into mill portfolio strategies that reflect brand-specific needs and long-term priorities.
• Enable Material Sourcing teams to lead supplier engagement and execution by providing clear, data-backed mill strategies and rationales.
• Support supplier onboarding, offboarding, and reallocation decisions based on performance, capability, and strategic fit.

• Material Strategy & Lifecycle Management
• Drive material rationalization and consolidation efforts to reduce duplication and improve development efficiency.
• Lead seasonal and lifecycle reviews of core materials to ensure continued relevance, performance, and alignment with sourcing goals.
• Oversee the planning and management of material lifecycle, including onboarding, circulation, inventory, and end-of-life transitions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Act as a strategic partner to brand Material Sourcing Development and Sourcing teams to align on material and supplier strategies.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Director and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Facilitate conversations that enable Material Sourcing teams to lead supplier negotiations and execution with clarity and confidence.

• Data Analytics & Process Optimization
• Lead the development of dashboards and tools to track mill performance, material utilization, and cost efficiency.
• Partner with the Senior Analyst to deliver insights that inform strategic decisions and supplier negotiations.
• Collaborate with PLM team and DT teams to enhance material and supplier data systems.

• Team Leadership
• Manage and mentor the Senior Analyst, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support the Director in building a high-performing, collaborative team that drives cross-brand impact.

• Strategic Technical Expertise
  • Deep understanding of textile and material science, including both performance and lifestyle materials.
  • Strong knowledge of supplier segmentation, mill capabilities, and sourcing strategies.
  • Experience using Supplier Performance Management frameworks to inform strategic decisions.
• Analytical & Digital Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics platforms. Experience with PLM systems and digital material libraries.
  • Strong ability to synthesize data into actionable strategies and communicate them effectively.
• 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.
• Communication
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and storytelling skills to drive alignment and action.

• 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 a best-in-class work environment, well-being policies, and workplace flexibility that helps you 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.

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.