At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and management of a centralised Materials Library for footwear and equipment brands.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven global brand focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, well-being policies, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on driving results and building strategic partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sourcing and managing materials for iconic brands.
- Qualifications: Deep technical knowledge in materials and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
ABOUT YOUR ROLE: We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager Materials Sourcing & Library to lead the creation, management and governance of a centralised Materials Library for the FW & EQ brands within VF, alongside the connected materials sourcing and development activity that feeds into it. The Senior Manager Materials Sourcing & Library will be responsible for optimising materials selection, qualities, sourcing partnerships and library processes across VF FW & EQ brands. You will work hand-in-hand with FTW and EQP materials development teams to ensure the library is built from, and continuously informed by, the materials we source and qualify across our Tier 2 supplier base. This role requires an experienced professional with in-depth technical knowledge in FW & EQ materials, sourcing and supplier management exposure, project management capabilities and data analytics. This role is instrumental in driving efficiency, enabling material leverage across regions and optimising material spend.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:
- STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
- Establish, operationalise and govern a centralised Global Materials Library across the FW, EQ & ACC brands for VF.
- Define and implement processes to rationalise material development requests and reduce redundancies.
- Govern and maintain data attributes and metadata necessary to enable material consolidation and strategic leverage.
- Lead seasonal and lifecycle core material reviews to evaluate relevance, usage and library optimisation.
- Partner with Materials Sourcing leaders and Product Leaders within our brands to add or sunset material libraries based on business needs.
- Create and publish the leveraged cost saving opportunity and measure quarterly that set targets are being met.
- MATERIALS SOURCING & LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
- Lead the FTW and EQP materials sourcing pillars – ensuring sourcing strategy & decisions align with cost objectives and brand calendars.
- Own seasonal negotiation cycles and Tier 2 supplier relationships across the FTW & EQP material base, in close partnership with category and brand sourcing leaders.
- Ensure physical libraries reflecting VF brand material options are maintained in strategic global locations to support product teams and cross brand initiatives.
- Manage the process of evaluating material qualities and performance to ensure alignment with sustainability, innovation and cost objectives.
- Conduct periodic reviews to assess usage, overlaps and opportunities for consolidation.
- COLLABORATION AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
- Own recommendations to the Materials Development leaders in FW & EQ to standardise material needs and identify leverage opportunities with Tier 2 suppliers.
- Serve as the central point of contact for Material Development leaders and brand teams to access core materials and information.
- DATA ANALYTICS AND PROCESS OPTIMISATION
- Create the appropriate data analytics platform needed, to track material utilisation, performance and cost efficiency.
- Lead initiatives to digitise and streamline the material development and management process.
- Collaborate with IT and digital innovation teams to maintain a robust material database system.
- TEAM AND STAKEHOLDER LEADERSHIP
- Lead and empower material sourcing & library teams fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture focused on creating, driving and optimising material sourcing strategies and library.
- Support collaboration across regional teams, enabling personal growth and effective interactions to all stakeholder groups internal and external.
- Build strong trusted strategic partnerships with cross functional partners to align on priorities, solve challenges and win together.
WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:
- You will be a materials expert with deep technical knowledge in materials, with strong analytical capabilities and project management experience.
- You will be accountable for developing sourcing strategies and streamlining material selection, development and life cycle processes, whilst ensuring alignment and collaboration with global materials development and sourcing leaders.
- Demonstrated success in managing cross functional projects and implementing scalable systems or libraries.
- Strong analytical and data-driven mindset; experience with materials lifecycle and inventory management tools.
- Proven ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proven success in seasonal negotiation cycles and managing complex global supplier relationships.
- Technically fluent in both FW and EQ materials with strong business acumen.
- A connector and influencer who naturally aligns cross-functional teams and drives change.
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.
- Identify 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.
- Takes ownership to lead execution cross-functionally to remove obstacles and optimise resources and drives through complexity.
- Focused on results optimised for VF, not 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:
- A purpose-driven opportunity to transform how we source and manage materials across iconic global brands.
- A platform to lead cross brand and cross category impact in a collaborative and forward thinking environment.
- The ability to build the future of materials – digitally, sustainably and strategically.
- 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.
Sr. Manager, Materials Sourcing & Library: Footwear, Equipment/Accessories in London employer: VF SINGAPORE OVERSEAS SERVICES PTE. LTD.
At VF, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, particularly for our Senior Manager Materials Sourcing & Library role. Located in a vibrant environment, we offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, innovative projects, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact across our iconic global brands.
Contact Detail:
VF SINGAPORE OVERSEAS SERVICES PTE. LTD. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Manager, Materials Sourcing & Library: Footwear, Equipment/Accessories in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its materials sourcing strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and innovation in materials.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to optimise material selection and sourcing processes effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Manager, Materials Sourcing & Library: Footwear, Equipment/Accessories in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in materials sourcing and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, include examples of how you've used data analytics in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to optimise processes and drive results through data.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:This position is all about teamwork! Share instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or managed stakeholder relationships. We’re looking for someone who can connect the dots and drive synergy across different areas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VF SINGAPORE OVERSEAS SERVICES PTE. LTD.
✨Know Your Materials Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of footwear and equipment materials. Be prepared to discuss specific materials, their properties, and how they align with sustainability and cost objectives. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of what makes materials work for the brand.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since data analytics is key in this role, come ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past projects. Bring examples of how you've tracked material utilisation and performance, and be prepared to suggest ways you could implement similar strategies at VF.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
This position requires strong leadership capabilities, so think about how you can convey your approach to leading teams. Share examples of how you've empowered team members, fostered collaboration, and driven results in previous roles. Highlight your ability to connect cross-functional teams and resolve conflicts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to materials sourcing and library management. Think through potential scenarios, such as negotiating with Tier 2 suppliers or optimising material selection processes, and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
