Senior Specialist, Materials Quality, Apparel/ Footwear

Key Purpose of the Job:

This role supports quality assurance and risk mitigation specifically for apparel raw materials. The specialist will partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify potential quality issues and lead proactive measures to ensure consistent material performance and compliance. The role also supports supplier improvement through technical training, governance programs, and ongoing collaboration. Acts as a subject matter expert in apparel raw materials, educating cross-functional teams and promoting material knowledge across the organization

Key Area of Responsibility:

• Lead and support the certification and training (SCP) of apparel raw materials to ensure alignment with VF quality standards and proper calibration procedures.

• Partner with cross-functional teams (Brands, Sourcing, GMS, etc.) to identify root causes of material quality issues and drive corrective actions.

• Maintain strong, clear communication with internal teams and external apparel raw material suppliers, ensuring alignment and shared understanding.

• Collaborate with Regional Quality (RO QM) and Global Material Services (GMS) teams to identify quality risks and develop innovative solutions.

• Deliver technical recommendations and best practices to continuously improve apparel raw material performance and reduce quality incidents.

• Develop and implement procedures and guidelines that support quality consistency across all apparel raw material types and suppliers.

• Ensure effective internal and external communication, including fabric mills and third-party testing labs, to drive raw material quality initiatives.

Strategic Role Relationship Building

• Actively connect with Brand and VF Asia teams to share relevant material quality insights that impact product performance and customer satisfaction.

• Foster authentic, solution-focused dialogue with stakeholders to align on quality goals.

• Build credibility and strong partnerships within VF and across the apparel supply base.

Leadership

• Demonstrate active listening and collaborative idea exchange to influence others toward achieving quality and performance objectives for apparel materials.

Minimum Relevant Experience: 5 years

Minimum Academic Requirement: University degree preferred

Major Subjects: Textile / Chemical / Quality Management

Required Professional Qualification:

• Applicable experience in Raw material R&D, manufacturing, or related experience.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills

• Proven ability to develop and apply analytic solutions to solve business problems

• Ability to work at a high level and detail level to draw conclusion and make recommendations

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Language Proficiency: English fluency

Required Competencies:

- Continuous Improvement

- Team Building

- Excellent Communication Skills

- Results Oriented

Other Requirements:

- Proficient in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint

- Good analytical and problem solving skill

- Familiar with 5S / ISO 9001 / 8D problem solving

- Familiar with Fishbone Diagram / 5 WHY

- Knowledge in Six Sigma disciplines would be advantageous

- Manufacturing Operations Knowledge