Engineer, Apparel

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

• Partner with the brand developer, sourcing developer and the vendor on product industrialization through the mediums of both physical and virtual sampling at all development stages, including innovation and concept.
• Work collaboratively to ensure that any product developed is engineered to meet brand standards on safety, fit, functionality, performance, quality and cost, while incorporating risk management principles to prioritize tasks.  Support projects relating to same.
• Bridge the gap between development and production by managing the handover process and ensuring product is production ready, that technical specifications are accurate and complete, that pre-production risks are resolved and critical points of attention communicated.
• On behalf of our brands, independently manage all pre-production and re-allocation sample approvals locally.
• Prepare for and actively participate in Brand Development, Collab, CKO and Innovation Trips to the region.
• Be a strategic partner to our brands and excellent business partner to cross functional team and vendors.  Support on identification and implementation of standardized processes across brands and regions (VF Way). 
• Manage vendor performance and drive continuous improvement through training, sample room assessment and TVCP / CFT calibration protocols.
• Support the Sourcing Strategy by onboarding new vendors or building capability of existing vendors within the given timelines and scope
• Embrace the POD concept or working
• Continue to evolve self and skills to adapt to changing needs of the business

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Include but not limited to

• Provide technical expertise, solves and support to cross functional team, vendor and brands.
• Manage issues proactively with stake holders.
• Support Product innovation trials and complex collabs.
• Partner with brands on construction, sizing, grading and block projects of varying scales and complexities. 
• Validate pattern overlays and samples before brand submission. 
• Approve patterns ahead of sample making as required.
• Review virtual and physical samples (Proto, SMS, POC, PPS, Counter, Size Set), provide comments and update forms / systems
• Support the brands on foundational work needed for a successful GTM e.g. construction toolboxes, updates on construction manuals and SOPs 
• Hold yourself and your stakeholders accountable for meeting the GTM milestones by having a distinct awareness of calendar dates and be able to anticipate and mitigate risk
• Manage and track Tech Pack Discrepancies, drive process improvement with brands
• Update minor and intermediate TP discrepancies on system on behalf of brands as require.
• Preparation, onsite support and follow up for all brand trips (Development, CKO, innovation, Collabs, Fit training).
• Allocate risk to all orders.  Hyper focus on high-risk styles in accordance with the RBM guidance.
• Participate in Tech Pack handover meetings between brand and vendor
• Manage rain room testing and follow up for Futurelight, Goretex, GB testing and other construction or performance related testing as it pertains to the product you manage
• Issue management, including RCA and CAP
• Be responsible for the handover from development to production (Risk Analysis handoff meeting)
• Be responsible for Pre-production sample approval locally
• Be responsible for re-allocation counter sample approval locally
• Attend pre-production meetings (high risk)
• Support the re-allocation process and independently manage all sample approvals locally

• Onboard new vendors.  Onboard new brands to existing vendors.  Support capability growth of existing vendors.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization of processes through ongoing vendor, brand and cross region training.
• Support the TVCP Program by providing input to module creation, training and CFT correlation.
• Support the RBM program globally including training and ongoing calibration.
• Travel frequently to factories.
• Continuous learning and self-development
• Support functional and non-functional projects as required.

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

Competency:

• Growth Mindset with a process-oriented approach
• Ability to build and manage complex stakeholder relationships, internally and externally 
• Actively listens to others and exchanges ideas
• Articulate with excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to act as a technical resource and mentor to others 
• Solution oriented with a sense of urgency and commitment to deadlines 
• Passion for continuous learning and self-development 
• Curious and courageous to seek / give regular feedback
• High learning agility
• Culturally adaptive

Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of product development through production 
• Proficient pattern making (including hands on experience in flat pattern and draping), apparel sizing and pattern grading 
• Working knowledge of computerized pattern system (e.g. Gerber), PLM (e.g. Flex), 3D (e.g. Browzwear), Adobe Illustrator 
• Proficient in live model and Body form fitting 
• Knowledge of garment construction standards and engineering, raw material properties, wet processing (garment washing / dyeing), garment testing and manufacturing methods
•  Ability to interpret design intent and offer up alternative solutions

Qualifications & Experience:

• 3-5 years relevant working experience in similar role
• English, local language