Role & Responsibilities:

As part of the Global Materials Supply (GMS) Team, The Manager Material Concepts & Process Innovation in the Underfoot Platforms & Materials Innovation department will work cross functionally with the Innovation leads of VF’s footwear Brand (VANS, The North Face, ALTRA, Timberland, Timberland Pro), engineering teams around Polymers and Tooling, as well as members of Footwear Fabrics and Asia Footwear Product Development teams.

Collaborating closely with above mentioned functions, the Manager Material Concepts & Process Innovation will be held accountable to innovate, drive and deliver new footwear concepts providing desirable consumer benefits according to the Brand’s Innovation roadmaps.

The Manager Material Concepts & Process Innovation will be pivoting around existing footwear materials in the library and those in development stage to deliver new footwear concepts.

The role requires to be up-to-date and constantly learning about footwear production methods, especially for shoe-making and the scouting of new technologies to keep VF’s Footwear brands on the front of relevant innovation.

The VF sustainability strategies and guidelines need to be the backbone of the work.

Functional Competencies

Excellent cross-functional indirect management skills (w/o direct reports)

Outstanding FTW manufacturing/shoe making expertise and experience

Strong understanding of compounds & other footwear related materials

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Sound experimental design and knowledge of performance validation testing

Basic knowledge of outsole/midsole manufacturing

Required Experience

Minimum Relevant Experience: 5-10 years experience in Footwear manufacturing and innovation, especially in Shoe making and Supply Chain organizations

Minimum Degree Held: Master’s degree, College graduate or equivalent work experience

Subject Expert In: Materials for shoe making

Frequency of Travel:  Frequent travel within South East Asia