Manager, Materials Sourcing

Job description

**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** **:**



+ _B_ _eing_ _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 the best in class, work environment, well-being policies and_ _work place_ _flexibility_ _that is about helping 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 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.



R-20250718-0017



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.

The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.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.

Required Skill Profession

Other General