Manager, Materials Sourcing

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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 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: Deep understanding of textile construction, finishing, dyeing, and performance standards. Skilled in managing global mill relationships, supplier scorecards, and performance improvement plans. 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: Proven ability to work across product creation, sourcing, planning, and brand teams. Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills with both internal teams and external suppliers. Clear and persuasive communication skills, capable of presenting to senior leadership and external partners.

OUR EXPECTATION FOR DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP:

• Strategic Leadership: Understands and can explain organization vision and strategic goals, and how daily activities support them. Participates in planning and prioritization, and identifies opportunities for cross-functional improvements.
• Growing People & Teams: Supports employee performance and development through coaching and feedback. Encourages collaboration and shared learning. Leads by example, demonstrating continuous improvement and adaptability.
• Driving Results: Focuses on achieving objectives through execution and proactive problem-solving to maintain team performance.
• Partnership: Builds strong relationships, provides constructive feedback, and ensures clear communication with stakeholders. Understands cross-functional goals that support team and business outcomes.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Being part of a purpose-led movement that enables us to positively impact communities worldwide.
• Working with a diverse, inclusive, and global team that values differences.
• Providing a best-in-class work environment, well-being policies, and flexible work arrangements to support your whole self—emotionally, physically, and socially.

Statement on Diversity & Inclusion: At VF, we foster an inclusive environment that values differences. VF is an equal opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination based on race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other protected factor.

R-20250718-0019

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Supply Chain

• Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage