Director – Quality Operations - Footwear and Equipment

How You Will Make a Difference

As Director, Quality Operations, you will lead quality operations strategy, governance and continuous improvement across the assigned product category. You will ensure consistent execution of VF quality standards, certification programs, standard operating procedures and brand requirements across regions and vendor partners. You will partner with Brand and Distribution Center Quality, Product Development, Sourcing, Technical, Product Stewardship and Planning teams to improve product quality, operational efficiency and total cost of quality. You will use metrics, analytics and factory performance insights to prioritize action, strengthen accountability and enable informed business decisions in a cross-functional, multicultural and matrix environment.

What You Will Do

Quality Strategy & Governance

• Own quality operations priorities for Footwear and Equipment, including packs and accessories where assigned, and ensure category-relevant standards are translated into effective factory and vendor practices.

• Translate the global Quality Management strategy into clear category priorities, operating plans, roles, decision rights and measurable outcomes.

• Lead category quality operations and partner with regional Quality Management teams to develop, implement and govern consistent SOPs, certification requirements and continuous improvement practices.

• Drive harmonization of quality working practices across Footwear and Equipment to support One VF ways of working while respecting category-specific construction, materials, testing and performance requirements.

• Anticipate emerging quality, manufacturing, consumer and market trends that may affect the category, and recommend appropriate changes to strategy, standards, capabilities and operating models.

Process Improvement & Analytics

• Use factory scorecards, KPIs, analytics and risk indicators to identify trends, prioritize resources, strengthen accountability and drive sustained improvement in defect rates and total cost of quality.

• Lead structured problem-solving and preventive quality improvement across product development, commercialization and manufacturing processes.

• Establish effective operating and review rhythms, remove cross-functional roadblocks, simplify workflows and encourage experimentation and continuous improvement.

• Contribute to functional budget and resource planning, and deploy people and capabilities against the highest-priority quality opportunities.

FW/EQ Technical Quality & Risk Management

• Bring a deep understanding of Footwear and Equipment manufacturing, materials, construction, testing and production processes to risk assessment, root-cause analysis and preventive action.

• Support the resolution of testing, product-standard and manufacturing-process issues by coordinating the appropriate Quality, Technical, Product Stewardship, Product Development and vendor expertise.

• Partner with Quality, Product Development, Sourcing, Technical, Product Stewardship, Planning and Distribution Center teams to resolve quality risks and ensure products meet specifications and applicable standards.

• Lead the strategic resolution of complex quality and business-practice issues, balancing consumer, brand, operational, cost and risk considerations.

Vendor Certification & Capability Development

• Direct the execution and ongoing calibration of the Vendor Certification Program to ensure consistent adherence to VF and brand standards.

• Evaluate source-base quality capability and capacity, identify gaps and improvement opportunities, and support vendor capability building aligned with Apparel sourcing and allocation strategies.

• Strengthen vendor quality capability by providing clear technical direction, manufacturing guidelines, preventive controls and improvement expectations.

• Promote a Quality First mindset and Speak Up culture with associates and vendor partners, encouraging early escalation, transparent dialogue and timely resolution.

Strategic Partnership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Global Footwear and Equipment Product Supply, Brand Product Development, Sourcing Development, Materials, Technical and Costing partners to integrate quality requirements into development, commercialization, allocation and production decisions.

• Act as a strategic business and thought partner across Quality Management, Product Supply, Sourcing, Technical Development and other key stakeholders to drive alignment, influence decision-making and achieve shared quality and business objectives.

How You Will Lead (VF Leadership Expectations)

• Set clear direction by connecting team priorities to broader VF, Product Supply and Quality Management strategy; clarify ownership, expectations and decision-making; and revisit goals as business needs evolve.

• Build trust through candid, respectful and inclusive communication; create psychological safety; recognize contributions; and encourage cross-functional collaboration and constructive challenge.

• Know the business and consumer by combining technical expertise, consumer insight, commercial understanding and data to inform decisions and identify improvement opportunities.

• Grow a high-performing team by hiring and developing talent, coaching managers to coach others, setting clear expectations, providing timely feedback and supporting career development and internal mobility.

• Optimize operations by mobilizing resources, streamlining workflows, removing barriers, using technology and analytics effectively, and maintaining a strong focus on measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate self-awareness, communication, learning agility, influence and drive for results, adapting style and approach to different audiences, cultures and circumstances.

• Act as a role model for integrity, ethical judgment, openness and collaboration, and uphold VF Values in business and people decisions.

• Establish personal credibility through facts, technical understanding and a clear point of view, and influence stakeholders across teams, locations, businesses and external partners.

• Lead confidently through ambiguity and change, balancing business needs and risks while helping the team learn, adapt and sustain performance.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent execution of category quality standards, SOPs and certification requirements across regions and vendor partners.

• Improved factory and product quality performance, supported by disciplined use of scorecards, KPIs, analytics and preventive action.

• Timely resolution of complex quality risks through strong cross-functional ownership and transparent decision-making.

• Stronger vendor technical and quality capabilities, with clear accountability and a sustained Quality First and Speak Up culture.

• A capable, engaged and inclusive team with clear goals, strong coaching, succession readiness and continuous learning.

• Simplified and harmonized quality operations that improve efficiency, agility and business outcomes.

Skills for Success

• 15 years of relevant professional experience in quality management, manufacturing, engineering, product development or supply chain within reputable apparel, footwear, equipment, retail or consumer-facing multinational organizations, including solid people-leadership experience.

• University degree or equivalent experience in quality, manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, textile, footwear, apparel, materials, engineering, supply chain or a related discipline.

• Proven experience leading multicultural, virtual and matrix teams and influencing senior stakeholders across global functions and locations.

• Strong process management, problem-solving, negotiation and change-leadership capability, with a practical continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong business acumen and ability to synthesize complex technical, operational and performance information into clear recommendations and decisions.

• Experience managing strategies, budgets, resources and performance through metrics and analytics.

• Executive presence, sound judgment and the ability to communicate clearly and adaptively with technical and non-technical audiences.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

Category Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of footwear and/or equipment product creation and manufacturing, including category materials, construction methods, testing, commercialization and production quality controls.

• Experience working with footwear and equipment vendor bases and building supplier quality capability across diverse product collections.

• Ability to connect category technical risks with consumer expectations, brand requirements, operational performance and business priorities.

VF Values

Integrity | Consumer-Focused | Growth Mindset | Simplicity | Win Together

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance-driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

What's In It for You

We are in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. We offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for VF associates.

We just have one question. Are you in?

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