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 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 EXPECTATION FOR DEMONSTATING LEADERSHIP :

Strategic Leadership

Understands and has ability to explain organization vision and strategic goals to the team, and how daily operations activities related to achieving overall 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 & 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 ensure 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 :

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 their 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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