Senior Manager, Material & Mill Strategy

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

As the Senior Manager, Global Materials Library, you will play a critical role in supporting the strategic leadership and operational excellence of VF’s centralized materials library across apparel brands. Reporting to the Director of Material Library & Mill Portfolio, you will lead the execution of governance frameworks, lifecycle management, and digital transformation initiatives that enable material efficiency, cost leverage, and innovation. You will collaborate closely with Material Sourcing team, sourcing leaders, and suppliers to ensure the library is a high-performing, future-ready asset.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Include but not limited to;

Mill Portfolio Strategy & Supplier Alignment

• Develop and maintain a strategically segmented mill base that supports VF’s Apparel Sourcing strategy.
• Incorporate SPM results (e.g., quality, delivery, costing, innovation, sustainability) to evaluate and optimize Tier 2 supplier performance.
• Partner with Material Sourcing teams to gather business inputs and translate them into mill portfolio strategies that reflect brand-specific needs and long-term priorities.
• Enable Material Sourcing teams to lead supplier engagement and execution by providing clear, data-backed mill strategies and rationales.
• Support supplier onboarding, offboarding, and reallocation decisions based on performance, capability, and strategic fit.

Material Strategy & Lifecycle Management

• Drive material rationalization and consolidation efforts to reduce duplication and improve development efficiency.
• Lead seasonal and lifecycle reviews of core materials to ensure continued relevance, performance, and alignment with sourcing goals.
• Oversee the planning and management of material lifecycle, including onboarding, circulation, inventory, and end-of-life transitions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a strategic partner to brand Material Sourcing Development and Sourcing teams to align on material and supplier strategies.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Director and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Facilitate conversations that enable Material Sourcing teams to lead supplier negotiations and execution with clarity and confidence.

Data Analytics & Process Optimization

• Lead the development of dashboards and tools to track mill performance, material utilization, and cost efficiency.
• Partner with the Senior Analyst to deliver insights that inform strategic decisions and supplier negotiations.
• Collaborate with PLM team and DT teams to enhance material and supplier data systems.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor the Senior Analyst, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support the Director in building a high-performing, collaborative team that drives cross-brand impact.

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

Strategic Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of textile and material science, including both performance and lifestyle materials.
• Strong knowledge of supplier segmentation, mill capabilities, and sourcing strategies.
• Experience using Supplier Performance Management frameworks to inform strategic decisions.

Analytical & Digital Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics platforms. Experience with PLM systems and digital material libraries.
• Strong ability to synthesize data into actionable strategies and communicate them effectively.

Analytical & Strategic Thinking

• Strong analytical mindset with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to manage complex projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with PLM, ERP, or material library systems is a plus.

Communication

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent communication and storytelling skills to drive alignment and action.

OUR EXPECTATION FOR DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP

Strategic Leadership

• Translates strategy into actionable goals for the team; aligns execution with broader business context.
• Compiles insights from industry and operational knowledge to contribute to long-term strategy and vision building.
• Identifies team resource and capability gaps to deliver long-term strategy and vision.

Growing People & Teams

• Coaches team members for performance and career growth.
• Builds a collaborative team environment with a strong sense of purpose and accountability.
• Identifies team skill gaps and aligns opportunities with both business needs and individual aspirations.

Driving Results

• Takes ownership to ensure teams deliver on commitments with efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leads execution cross-functionally to remove obstacles, optimize resources, and drive through complexity.
• Focused on results optimized for VF, not just function.

Partnership

• Leads collaboration across functions to drive synergy and resolve conflicts.
• Strengthens relationships and communication across teams and levels; acts as a connector between business areas.
Aligns stakeholders, tracks cross-functional goals, and drives follow-through beyond own team.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Being part of a purpose-led movement that enables us to have a positive impact on communities around the world, giving greater meaning to the work we do.
• Working with a team of diverse and sharp minds that operate with an inclusive and global mindset—our differences make us stronger together.
• Providing best-in-class work environment, well-being policies, and workplace flexibility to help you show up and lean into life with your whole self—emotionally, physically, and socially.