Associate Manager, Sourcing Development, Footwear

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Associate Manager, Sourcing Development, Footwear, you will play a key role in supporting the development and commercialization process by ensuring quality of development samples and adherence to milestone timelines in line with the product creation calendar.

In this role, you will lead day-to-day development coordination with vendors while guiding junior team members where applicable. You will work closely with Tier 1 and Tier 2 factories to support engineering execution, product quality, and on-time delivery, while aligning with VF’s standards and best practices.

You will also collaborate with cross-functional partners to support product strategic initiatives and ensure smooth commercialization with strong focus on quality, costing, and operational efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development & Commercialization

• Lead and coordinate development activities with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors across all sample stages
• Review and validate development samples (including sales samples across countries of origin) to ensure quality and execution readiness
• Support key development milestones including new bottoms, uppers, color-ups, fit approvals, material testing, wear testing, swatch sign-off and cost validation
• Drive SKU-level Buy Ready planning in alignment with commercialization timelines
• Communicate product requirements and technical expectations clearly to vendors and internal teams
• Identify and resolve issues related to construction, performance, costing, and processes with guidance from senior team members where needed
• Coordinate with factories on capacity planning and material readiness in line with production calendar
• Review technical packages and support confirmation of pattern grading, tooling readiness, and sample size execution
• Support development of production specifications and ensure accuracy of handover to production
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, process efficiency, and quality improvement, and contribute to implementation
• Participate in Tech 2 trials, fit validation, and wear testing processes
• Support new product introductions and highlight potential quality or commercialization risks during development reviews

Pre-Production & Production

• Provide technical support during pre-production and early production phases to ensure smooth transition from development to bulk
• Partner with cross-functional teams to address issues and ensure alignment on product quality and delivery timelines

Team & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Provide guidance and day-to-day support to junior team members where applicable
• Build strong working relationships with factory partners and internal stakeholders (Product, QA, Costing, Materials)
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives
  
  KEY COMPETENCIES
• Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and development processes
• Working knowledge of automation and computer stitching (upper pattern construction)
• Good understanding of last making, measurements, and tooling (bottom/mold validation)
• Ability to balance technical feasibility, design intent, and cost considerations
• Ability to identify product risks and support corrective actions in partnership with stakeholders
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
• Branded footwear experience preferred
• Alignment with VF’s guiding principles: Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, Empathy, Perseverance

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience in footwear product development and commercialization within a multinational environment
• Exposure to development, pre-production, and production processes
• Prior experience guiding or informally leading team members is a plus
• Good command of English and strong communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Travel: As required