Manager, Materials Sourcing, Footwear

Role & Responsibilities:

Position Definition (Key Purpose of the Position): 

As part of the Materials Sourcing & Library organization within the Global Materials Sourcing (GMS) team, the Manager Footwear Materials leads the team that services all upper-material needs for all Footwear brands sourced through the Asia Sourcing Office. With a team of approximately 4, the role is accountable for the day-to-day execution of the Upper Materials (FTW) supply model to ensure quality, cost competitiveness and on-time delivery of raw material to Finished Goods vendors. This role operates within a broader, multi-category Materials Sourcing & Library team structure (Footwear, Equipment and Library/Data) and works in close partnership with peers and shared capability owners. Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Materials Sourcing & Library (FTW & EQP), analytical and strategy activities (e.g., footprint and supplier analytics, performance scorecards, cost/price governance inputs, and materials data/library ways of working) are supported by and developed in conjunction with the larger teamwhile the Manager Footwear Materials ensures the insights are translated into strong execution and supplier/vendor outcomes for Footwear uppers. The role has extensive focus to operationally connect with Brands, Sourcing, Suppliers, Finance, and Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability organizations. Frequent influential communication to VP and Director level is required. The Materials Leader is viewed as a key thought partner to bring an innovative and creative solutions culture to the region to solve complex material supply issues.

Key Result Areas:

• In partnership with the broader Materials Sourcing & Library team, help build the long- and short-term regional material supply strategy for Footwear uppers factoring in footprint movements, supply models, lead times, profitability, sustainable materials, and brand/sourcing needs
• Ensure reliable delivery of materials on time for production by working closely with material suppliers and Finished Goods vendors
• Partner cross-functionally with VF Materials Labs, Sourcing and Quality Leaders in managing all aspects of material quality from establishing guidelines to delivering product to factories
• Lead the Footwear Upper Materials team in resolution of quality issues at factories and with vendors in collaboration with Sourcing and Quality teams
• Act as the key liaison for Product Development leadership across brands and Sourcing leadership for all Footwear upper material supply topics
• Support material innovation and capabilities through supplier research and partnership in collaboration with Brand Development and Innovation Teams, aligned to shared Materials Sourcing & Library priorities
• Increase leverage of the One VF model through decisions supported by facts and data, leveraging shared analytics/insights from the Materials Sourcing & Library team to improve supply, cost and service outcomes
• Lead Footwear upper material cost negotiation tactics by establishing cost targets, utilizing fact-based methodology and shared cost governance inputs, and driving positive outcomes in supplier-facing discussions

• Monitor and improve supplier performance using shared scorecards/tools and active performance management rhythms established with the Materials Sourcing & Library team
• Own day-to-day supplier relationship management for Footwear uppers, building supplier partnerships aligned to category strategies and broader team standards
• Partner with functional leaders on Compliance and Social Responsibility to ensure VF standards and requirements are met across the Footwear upper material supply base
• Actively support sustainable material roadmaps through identification of supplier capabilities, capacities and innovative sustainable alternatives, in alignment with shared category and library priorities
• Work cross-functionally in selection of regional and local suppliers and materials that support material and manufacturing strategies and Product Development objectives, leveraging centrally governed materials data where applicable
• Accountable for all people activities: hire, train, manage and develop the talent in the Footwear Upper Materials team, and contribute to broader capability building within Materials Sourcing & Library

Competency Requirements:

Behavioral Competencies -

• High EQ in working with cross function/cultural partners
• Management Experience in global, multi-national environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
• A leader as well as a pleasant team player

• Entrepreneurial & result-driven

• Optimistic and dare to take calculated risks
• Team player and the ability to work independently
• Communication and influence globally and regionally
• Bold and creative thinking
• Able to work under pressure with multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines