Key Facts

Remote From:

Full time

Senior (5-10 years)

English

Hard Skills

Global Leadership Specification Conformance Process Engineering Supply Chain Calendar Management Compliance Management Business Process Mapping Product Strategy Materials Management Production Planning Total Quality Management Change Management Stakeholder Engagement Continuous Improvement Process

Other Skills

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Training And Development
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Knowledge Transfer
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Team Leadership
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Accountability
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Collaboration
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Time Management
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Strategic Thinking
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Business Acumen
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Mentorship
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Verbal Communication Skills
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Growth Mindedness
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Problem Solving

Roles & Responsibilities

Advanced knowledge of the product creation process from design brief through Buy Ready (T2).
Proven leadership experience managing multi-cultural, global teams and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and construction methods for the relevant product category.
Strong coaching and talent development skills with the ability to build a high-performance culture and develop a robust talent pipeline.

Requirements:

Lead the Sourcing Product Development team from concept to Buy Ready (T1–T2), ensuring samples and materials comply with Tech Pack specifications, brand fit, performance, and quality standards.
Build strong, multi-level relationships with internal and external stakeholders; provide strategic insights and recommendations to inform product/vendor strategy and drive improvements.
Collaborate with Brand teams to formalize development calendars and ensure adherence to GTM deadlines and milestones, challenging calendars to improve agility and speed.
Support commercialization, coordinate with Global Supply Planning to validate allocations and production plans, and promote knowledge transfer and continuous learning across the organization.

Vans

Retailtech: Retail + Technology

About Vans

Vans is a globally iconic skate brand, forever rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends, and we are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts. At Vans, our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. We are driven by five values: 1.Effortless Authenticity: We embrace those who are unapologetically themselves. 2.Radical Creativity: Creativity remains key to everything we do. 3.Unconventional Community: We are inclusive and connected to our consumers, our communities and each other. 4.Relentless Passion: We listen to our people, our athletes and our consumers. 5.Playful Irreverence: We see through the eyes of youth and celebrate the underdog spirit, so we never take ourselves too seriously. VF Corporation VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We believe that when you discover the difference between a career and a calling, you get so much more out of life. When those lines begin to blur, you start to limit yourself much less and start aiming for more. That’s what we want for everyone who joins us at VF. And frankly, that’s what it takes to thrive.

Company type: XLarge

Industry: Retailtech: Retail + Technology

Founded: 2018

Company size: 10001

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Job description

About your role:

You will lead cross-country Product Development teams, overseeing the entire product development process from concept through Buy Ready. This includes ensuring that all samples and materials fully comply with Tech Pack specifications, as well as Brand fit, performance, and quality standards. In this role, you will cultivate strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to drive adherence to GTM milestones and act as a strategic partner by offering insights and recommendations to enhance product and consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, you will play a key role in developing a strong talent pipeline by establishing a solid foundation for knowledge sharing and creating meaningful learning opportunities.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in product development, proven leadership experience, and the capability to co-create solutions while challenging conventional product development activities and timelines. Success in this role depends on the ability to shape and influence decisions, build strong internal and external relationships, and champion continuous improvement.

Your responsibilities will include (but not limited):

Lead the Sourcing Product Development team, setting clear priorities, coaching team members, and fostering a high-performance culture;

Oversee product development from concept to Buy Ready (covering T1 to T2 processes), ensuring that samples and materials fully comply with Tech Pack specifications, as well as Brand fit, performance, and quality standards

Builds strong, multi-level relationships by proactively collaborating and effectively engaging with both internal and external stakeholders to drive product development activities.

Serve as a strategic thought partner to Sourcing leaders and Brand partners by proactively providing insights and recommendations that inform product/vendor strategy decisions, identify improvement opportunities, and co-create solutions to enhance product and consumer satisfaction.

Collaborate with Brand teams to formalize development calendars and ensure strict adherence to deadlines and milestones in alignment with the GTM calendar, challenging conventional product calendars when appropriate to enhance agility and speed.
Provide regular and accurate updates on seasonal GTM progress to stakeholders, offering early warnings of potential issues or delays, and proactively highlighting opportunities for improvement.
Support the Commercialization team in developing standardized processes and adopting industry best practices.
Work closely with the Global Supply Planning team leader to validate product allocation, factory capacity bookings, and production plans, ensuring they are viable and realistic.
Support knowledge transfer initiatives and facilitate the development of the talent pipeline by documenting processes, implementing training programs, and promoting learning opportunities to ensure the organization’s long-term capability and growth.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends, material innovations, and manufacturing best practices.
Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement, upholding VF Values and embracing the VF “Winning Together” culture in every interaction with direct reports, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.

What we will be looking for in you:

Advanced knowledge of the product creation process from design brief through T2 completion (Buy Ready). Technical expertise will be an advantage.
Knowledge of the product category within the scope of this role with proven experience - deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and construction methods;
You will be coaching and developing your team, providing timely constructive feedback enabling them to excel and realize their potential.
Proven leadership experience in managing multi-cultural teams and ability to influence stakeholders on a global level to advance business goals.
Drive and passion to make a difference, presenting a growth mindset that role models positivity and curiosity to your team and peers.
Someone that shapes and influences strategic decisions, you will be capable of capturing your audience’s attention, being composed and well prepared.
Ability to lead, facilitate and champion change.
Good business acumen and understanding of the competitive global business environment, as well as an awareness of economic, social and political trends that impact the organization’s global strategy.