Manager, Material Portfolio

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

The Manager, Materials Portfolio Operations leads the day-to-day execution of VF Materials Library priorities, translating strategic direction and evolving business needs into clear plans, ownership and measurable delivery.   This role manages a portfolio of initiatives and operational priorities, balancing team capacity, creating visibility across workstreams and establishing accountability for effective delivery. You will lead and develop a distributed team while working closely with Materials Sourcing and other cross-functional partners to align priorities, clarify responsibilities and drive progress.   The successful candidate will bring structure to ambiguity, translate direction into action and build the operational discipline required for a developing function to scale.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Portfolio Planning & Execution

- Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, milestones, ownership and measurable outcomes.

- Manage Materials Library initiatives, maintaining visibility of progress, dependencies, risks and decisions.

- Drive priorities from direction through implementation and follow-through.

Operational Leadership & Prioritisation

- Balance business priorities, team capacity and longer-term capability development.

- Establish clear priorities, delegate effectively and create accountability for delivery.

- Bring structure to evolving processes and continuously improve ways of working.

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, motivate and develop a distributed Materials Library team.

- Create clarity around expectations and ownership while empowering individuals to deliver.

- Build a collaborative, accountable culture that enables technical specialists to perform at their best.

Materials Library Governance

- Ensure effective delivery of Materials Library operations, portfolio governance and data quality.

- Coordinate portfolio activities including lifecycle management, consolidation, platforming and portfolio assessments.

- Use materials and portfolio insights to identify opportunities and inform portfolio recommendations.

Stakeholder Alignment

- Build strong relationships across Materials Sourcing, brands, Product Development and other cross-functional partners.

- Create alignment around priorities, responsibilities and decision points.

- Translate materials and operational insights into clear recommendations and actions.

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

Operational & Portfolio Leadership

- Ability to turn broad or evolving priorities into clear plans, ownership and outcomes.

- Strong management of multiple workstreams, priorities, capacity and delivery.

- Ability to create structure, accountability and momentum in an evolving environment.

People Leadership

- Ability to lead and develop a distributed team with clarity, trust and accountability.

- Effective delegation that enables others to take ownership.

- Ability to coach and empower technical specialists to perform at their best.

Learning Agility & Problem Solving

- Ability to learn unfamiliar topics quickly and adapt as priorities evolve.

- Uses data and insight to identify opportunities and support decisions.

- Demonstrates curiosity, initiative and practical problem-solving.

Stakeholder Leadership

- Ability to build strong relationships and alignment across different functions and priorities.

- Communicates complex topics clearly and translates them into practical actions.

- Influences effectively through collaboration and trusted relationships.

Materials & Industry Knowledge

- Knowledge of materials, textiles, apparel or product creation is beneficial. The ability to learn technical concepts quickly is essential.

- Experience in sourcing, suppliers, portfolio management or materials systems is advantageous.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

- Being a part of a movement that is Purpose led which enables us to have a positive impact on communities around the world, it gives greater meaning to the work we do.

- Working with a team of diverse and sharp minds that work with an inclusive and global mindset because our differences are what make us stronger together.

- Providing you with the best in class, work environment, well-being policies and work place flexibility that is about helping you show up and lean into life with your whole self – emotionally, physically and socially.

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