Manager – Sourcing Development - Equipment & Packs

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

You will be leading the sourcing team to create strong vendor partnerships, ensuring that the brand’s products, are developed in alignment with the brand’s design and future vision.  

You will help support the product development and innovation strategies in collaboration with the brand product development teams in the US, Asia and Europe.

Supporting the Director of Product Supply for EQP + Packs, you will play a key role in creating a multi-year sourcing strategy that will facilitate and power brand growth, ensuring best in class product development, fit for our consumer needs. The individual will also work across all functions – Costing, Planning, Quality, GMS, etc., to ensure that the brand needs are met in adhering to calendars, product samples, buy ready, etc. This individual will provide guidance to the teams, drive operational results, and support talent development

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE: (but not limited to)

• Leading the sourcing team to establish and develop partnerships with vendors to support brand product development strategies and growth plans.

• Communicating proactively with brand stakeholders, product development and design teams to build and adhere to a product development calendar that enables best in class on time samples, execution and delivery. 

• Enhancing and advocating for vendors’ capabilities and use of new technologies, to drive innovation of process and product with the goal of reducing waste and increasing efficiency. 

• Managing vendor relationships, ensuring performance that can drive profitability for the brand and sustained shared goals.

• Collaboration with all internal stakeholders across Production, Global Material Supply, Compliance, Responsible Sourcing, Product Stewardship, Finance, Logistics and Quality teams to ensure the alignment on sourcing strategy and brand direction.

• Fostering and role modeling a culture of inclusion, candor and trust. 

• Support all associates in the team, to ensure they create and drive their individual development plans – and develop a regular cadence of review.  

• Spends time with team members to understand their strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. Acts as a trusted mentor who provides guidance on their personal growth & career development

• Challenge the status quo by adopting a creative and curious style that can drive continuous improvement 

• Participate in company-wide initiatives to promote VF purpose activation and to improve VF Asia Product Supply systems and processes. 

• Manages change with a view of making the most out of adversity and taking business needs as a priority

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

• Knowledge of apparel with a key focus on the technical outdoor market  

• Proven experience in development of knitted and woven apparel and managing a diverse product collection.

• You will be coaching and developing your team, providing timely constructive feedback enabling them to excel and realize their potential.   

• Proven leadership experience in managing multi-cultural teams and ability to influence stakeholders on a global level to advance business goals.

• A basic understanding of paper patterns creation and an understanding of digital product creation will be an advantage. 

• Drive and passion to make a difference, presenting a growth mindset that role models positivity and curiosity to your team and peers.

• Executive presence – you will be capable of capturing your audience’s attention, being composed and well prepared.

• Ability to lead, facilitate and champion change. 

• Good business acumen and understanding of the competitive global business environment, as well as an awareness of economic, social and political trends that impact the organization’s global strategy.

• Language Proficiency: Excellent English

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Being part of a business that is Purpose led enabling one to have a positive impact on communities around the world, giving greater meaning to the work that we do.

• You will work with a team of diverse and sharp minds that operate with an inclusive and global mindset because our differences are what make us stronger together. 

• We will provide 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.