Director, GMS, Apparel & Equipment, Vans, Dickies, Timberland, Napapijri, Smartwool & Icebreaker

Role & Responsibilities:

As part of the Global Materials Supply (GMS) Team, The Director of Materials will lead the GMS organization that services VANS, Dickies, TBL, Napapijri & SWIB – responsible for raw materials sourced through the Asia Sourcing Offices (ASO). The role has an extensive focus and requires strategic connectivity with stakeholders at the Brands, Sourcing, Suppliers, Finance, and Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability organizations. Frequent influential communication to VP and Executive level is required. The Materials Leader is viewed as a key thought partner to bring an innovative and creative solutions culture to the organization to solve complex material supply issues.

Key Results Areas:

• Strategic Planning:
  • Build the long- and short-term Raw Material Supply strategy for VANS, Dickies, TBL, Napapijri & SWIB brands factoring in footprint movements, supply models, lead times, cost effectivenes, sustainable materials, brand and sourcing needs (>$400M annual spend across more than 236 suppliers)
  • Maximizes performance through V2MOM setting, regular coaching and feedback, andholding people accountable for achieving goals
• End to end Procurement Process Ownership:
  • Accountable to design and execute cost negotiation strategy by establishing cost targets, utilizing fact-based methodology, and driving for positive outcomes in supplier facing discussions
  • Act as the key liaison for Product Development leadership in all the brands and Sourcing leadership for all material supply related topics
  • Establish annual material cost savings targets, drive initiatives, track progress, and report savings with close collaboration with Finance Teams
  • Lead the selection of suppliers and materials that support material and manufacturing strategies and Product Development objectives.
  • Seek to identify and institutionalize best practices while building aligned processes to increase operational efficiency across brands
• Quality Control: Partner cross-functionally with VF Materials Labs, Sourcing and Quality Leaders in managing all aspects of material quality from establishing guidelines to delivering product to factories
• Material Innovation:
  • Support material innovation and capabilities through supplier research and partnership in collaboration with Brand Development and Innovation Teams
  • Create and deliver a cohesive framework that systematically links world class innovation through flawless commercialization across internal functions and suppliers
• Supplier Relationship:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.
  • Responsible for leading, managing and owning all supplier relationship and building supplier partnerships in the brands supported by SPM dashboard
  • Responsible for T2’s On-Time delivery for bulk production working in collaboration with Suppliers and Vendors
  • SPM Dashboard - Elevate raw material supply base with the adoption of SPM framework
• Communication and Stakeholder Management:
  • Manage a complex network of stakeholders across Global Product Supply, Regional Offices, Global Brand Teams & Regions (AMER, EMEA & APAC) (~30-40 stakeholders)
  • Cross Functional Collaboration: Lead and influence cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration efforts, fostering teamwork and synergy among virtual teams to drive collective success of the global brand
  • Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of the organization, ensuring transparency and understanding of materials management strategies and decisions.
  • Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve any conflicts or issues that arise with suppliers or internal teams in a timely and professional manner.
• Compliance and Social Responsibility:
  • Partner with functional leaders on Compliance and Social Responsibility, to ensure VF standards and requirements are met within the group’s material supply
  • Actively support sustainable material roadmaps through identification of supplier capabilities, capacities and innovative sustainable alternatives
• Team Leadership: Accountable for all people related activities such as hire, train, manage and develop the talent in the team

Experience

• Regional & Global - Build strategic partner relationships with counterparts in Europe, USA and Asia Pacific, sharing opinions with gravitas – on current challenges with a ‘solution first’ approach to dialogues
• Minimum Relevant Experience: - 10+ years of extensive experience in Apparel, Footwear, Equipment and/or Sourcing and Supply Chain organizations
• Minimum Supervisory Experience - Minimum 6 years of supervisory experience. Proven record of leadership and accomplishment in a global, multi-national environment
• Operational Excellence: - Strong at leading material sourcing function to deliver results, but also at the same time, able to foresee/predict any upcoming challenge risks or negative perception from stakeholders

Specific Working Conditions

• Frequency of Travel: Flexibility to frequently travel globally