Position Definition (Key Purpose of the Position) : 

As part of the Global Materials Supply (GMS) Team, The Development Manager will lead the GMS Operational team that services all Apparel & Equipment products within The North Face sourced through the Asia Sourcing Office. The individual is responsible for coordinate with brand manager for executing and driving the Material Sourcing strategy and managing an efficient material supply model that ensures quality and timely delivery of all raw material. The leader is responsible for securing the operational excellence in material commercialization and procurement that maximizes “One VF” scale in leverage through analytics. The role has extensive focus to strategically and operationally connect with Brand, Sourcing, Suppliers, Finance, Planning, Quality and Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability organizations.  The Materials Leader is viewed as a key thought partner to bring an innovative and creative solutions culture to the region to solve complex material supply issues. 

Key Result Areas:

Execute the long- and short-term material supply strategy for TNF factoring in footprint movements, supply models, lead times, profitability, sustainable materials, brand and sourcing needsPartner cross-functionally with VF Product Stewardship, Sourcing and Quality Leaders in managing all aspects of material quality from establishing guidelines to delivering expected product to factoriesAct as the key liaison for Product Development in TNF and Sourcing management within Global and EMEA region, apparel and equipment materials supply related topics.Oversee the Commercialization of apparel and equipment materials through the go to market calendar to ensure all milestones are timely met.Support apparel material innovation and capabilities through supplier research and partnership in collaboration with Brand Development and Innovation TeamsResponsible for managing and owning nominated material supplier relationship and building supplier partnerships in the brandEnsure reliable delivery and drive resolution of quality issues in material production by working closely with GMS planning, material suppliers and finished goods vendorsBuild innovative solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, agility, lead-time, etc.Partner with functional leaders on Compliance and Social Responsibility, to ensure VF standards and requirements are met within the group’s material supplyActively support sustainable material roadmaps through identification of supplier capabilities, capacities and innovative sustainable alternativesAccountable for all people related activities such as hire, train, manage and develop the talent in the team

Competency Requirements:

Behavioral Competencies -

Ability to influence across multiple functions/ culture partnersManagement experience in global, multi-national environmentExcellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)A leader as well as a pleasant team playerEntrepreneurial and result-drivenOptimistic and dare to take calculated risksTeam player and the ability to work independentlyBold and creative thinkingAble to work under pressure with multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting tight deadlinesProactively nurture and develop talents and build a team committed to achieving common goals

Functional Competencies –

Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influenceStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to navigate complexities and identify opportunities strategicallyHigh understanding of textile related commodities (Cotton, Polyester, Nylon, etc.)

Experience

Minimum Relevant Experience: 8 years of experience in Apparel, Footwear, Equipment materials and/or Sourcing and Supply Chain organizations but not limited to.Minimum Supervisory Experience: 2 years experience of leading teams

R-20241213-0017