ABOUT YOUR ROLE:
As part of our strategic evolution to strengthen material sourcing across our performance and lifestyle brands, we are creating a dedicated Material Sourcing Manager role to support Smartwool and Icebreaker. This role is designed to unify and elevate material development efforts across these brands, ensuring alignment with business goals, brand identities, and sustainability commitments.
Reporting directly to the Director of Apparel Sourcing, the Material Manager will lead a team focused on building strong partnerships with brand material development and product creation teams. The role will drive material excellence by optimizing supplier performance, enabling innovation, and ensuring timely and compliant material delivery across all apparel categories.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Cross-Brand Partnership & Alignment
- Serve as the central point of contact for material development across Smartwool and Icebreaker.
- Align seasonal material strategies with brand-specific product creation calendars and priorities.
- Facilitate cross-brand collaboration to leverage synergies and share best practices.
Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
- Own supplier relationships and performance across all three brands, using KPIs to drive quality, cost, delivery, innovation, and sustainability.
- Lead supplier negotiations and capacity planning to support seasonal and strategic needs.
- Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement plans with underperforming suppliers.
Material Development & Commercialization
- Oversee development and commercialization of materials, ensuring technical, compliance, and brand standards are met.
- Manage testing, approvals, and documentation within PLM systems.
- Support innovation and differentiation through material capabilities aligned with brand DNA.
Material Supply Optimization
- Monitor material readiness, lead times, and delivery schedules to ensure on-time availability.
- Collaborate with sourcing and planning teams to mitigate risks and optimize supply chain efficiency.
- Support supplier allocation and capacity planning across brands.
Sustainability & Innovation Leadership
- Champion the integration of sustainable and circular materials into the development pipeline.
- Stay ahead of emerging material technologies and supplier innovations to drive brand differentiation.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop a team of material developers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Set clear goals, provide coaching and feedback, and support career development.
- Promote an inclusive and innovative team environment that reflects brand values.
WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:
Technical & Functional Expertise
- Material Knowledge: Deep understanding of textile construction, finishing, dyeing, and performance standards, wool related experience is preferred.
- 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, OekoTex), 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.
Leadership & People Management
- Team Leadership: Ability to lead, coach, and develop a team of material developers.
- Performance Management: Set clear goals, provide feedback, and manage performance effectively.
- Decision-Making: Confident in making timely, data-informed decisions under pressure, ability to deal with ambiguity.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:
- Being 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 workplace 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.
