Engineer, Operations & Innovation (5-Month Fixed-Term)

Role & Responsibilities:

Position Definition (Key Purpose of the Position):

• As part of the Global Materials Supply (GMS) Team, The Operations Engineer Underfoot Platforms & Materials Innovation will execute underfoot materials development & innovation activities that service all VF FTW brands sourced through Asia Sourcing Offices.

• Will lead and be accountable for the design of chemical formulas and manufacturing processes related to polymer-based compounds, and materials across underfoot platforms in support of VF brands innovation development goals.

• Will coordinate and lead, underfoot compound and materials innovation projects including all aspects of chemical process design for new materials

• The individual is responsible to manage and oversee the Underfoot material development and pre-production activities. Including material testing and performance validation

• The role needs to operationally connect with Brands, Product Supply, Product Development, Quality and Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability organizations. To deliver materials and projects that create value for and are aligned with VF brand objectives.

• The Operations Engineers will be required to identify, assess and coordinate communication with T2 material suppliers across all operational activities in support of VF policies and cross functional programs.

• Support Strategic and Operational planning activities within Underfoot Platforms & Materials.

Key Result Areas:

• Successful execution of the go-to market process for Underfoot Platforms and materials supporting adherence to on-time performance OTP and quality

• Successful roll-out and execution of Supplier Performance Management framework

• Continuous improvement in T2 supplier performance and evaluations across a range of key metrics including but not limited to OTP, Quality, Facility Audits and Environmental impact.

• Brand innovation strategies supported and executed

• Underfoot material supply capabilities enhanced through supplier research and partnership in collaboration with Brand Development and Innovation Teams

• SCP program rolled out and implemented within critical T2 suppliers

• Material cost targets met through effective support in material cost negotiations and development of reliable and credible material cost simulation models.

• Sustainability and Environmental impact programs successfully executed across T2 suppliers. Through identification and selection of suitable supplier, capability assessment and collaboration.

Competency Requirements:

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)

• Able to operate within a matrixed and culturally diverse environment

• Strong collaborator but with the ability to work independently

• Strong stake-holder engagement and able to cooperate and communicate within a highly matrixed organization

• Able to work under pressure with multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines

• Project management and able to deliver outcomes within defined time-lines

• Logical thinker able to execute within sound experimental design parameters

Functional Competencies

• Excellent compound and materials understanding

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Sound experimental design and knowledge of performance validation testing

• Understanding of polymer & footwear related commodities (PU, Rubber, EVA, etc.)

• Polymer science & compound chemistry expertise

• Outsole/midsole manufacturing experience

Minimum Relevant Experience:

Experience in Apparel, Footwear, Equipment materials and/or Sourcing and Supply Chain organizations but not limited to