Senior Manager, Materials and Mill Strategy

ABOUT YOUR ROLE The Senior Manager, Material Strategy and Mill Portfolio plays a critical role in shaping and executing VF’s global material sourcing strategy across apparel brands. This role is responsible for building a strategically aligned mill base by leveraging Supplier Performance Management (SPM) data and brand-specific sourcing inputs. The Senior Manager will translate business needs into actionable strategies that empower the Material Sourcing teams to lead execution with confidence, efficiency, and alignment to cost, quality, innovation, and sustainability goals. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE Mill Portfolio Strategy & Supplier Alignment Develop and maintain a strategically segmented mill base that supports VF’s Apparel Sourcing strategy. Incorporate SPM results (e.g., quality, delivery, costing, innovation, sustainability) to evaluate and optimise Tier 2 supplier performance. Partner with Material Sourcing teams to gather business inputs and translate them into mill portfolio strategies that reflect brand-specific needs and long‑term priorities. Enable Material Sourcing teams to lead supplier engagement and execution by providing clear, data‑backed mill strategies and rationales. Support supplier onboarding, offboarding, and reallocation decisions based on performance, capability, and strategic fit. Material Strategy & Lifecycle Management Drive material rationalisation and consolidation efforts to reduce duplication and improve development efficiency. Lead seasonal and lifecycle reviews of core materials to ensure continued relevance, performance, and alignment with sourcing goals. Oversee the planning and management of material lifecycle, including onboarding, circulation, inventory, and end‑of‑life transitions. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Act as a strategic partner to brand Material Sourcing Development, and Sourcing teams to align on material and supplier strategies. Serve as a key liaison between the Director and cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency. Facilitate conversations that enable Material Sourcing teams to lead supplier negotiations and execution with clarity and confidence. Data Analytics & Process Optimization Lead the development of dashboards and tools to track mill performance, material utilisation, and cost efficiency. Partner with the Senior Analyst to deliver insights that inform strategic decisions and supplier negotiations. Collaborate with PLM team and DT teams to enhance material and supplier data systems. Team Leadership Manage and mentor the Senior Analyst, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Support the Director in building a high‑performing, collaborative team that drives cross‑brand impact. WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR INTO YOU Strategic Technical Expertise Strong knowledge of supplier segmentation, mill capabilities, and sourcing strategies. Experience using Supplier Performance Management frameworks to inform strategic decisions. Analytical & Digital Skills Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics platforms. Experience with PLM systems and digital material libraries. Strong ability to synthesize data into actionable strategies and communicate them effectively. Communication Proven ability to lead cross‑functional projects and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent communication and storytelling skills to drive alignment and action. Analytical & Strategic Thinking Strong analytical mindset with experience in data‑driven decision‑making. Ability to manage complex projects and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment. Experience with PLM, ERP, or material library systems is a plus. OUR EXPECTATION FOR DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP Strategic Leadership Translates strategy into actionable goals for the team; aligns execution with broader business context. Compiles insights from industry and operational knowledge to contribute to long‑term strategy and vision building. Identify team resource and capability gaps to deliver long‑term strategy and vision. Growing People & Teams Coaches team members for performance and career growth. Builds a collaborative team environment with a strong sense of purpose and accountability. Identifies team skill gaps and aligns opportunities with both business needs and individual aspirations. Driving Results Takes ownership to ensure teams deliver on commitments with efficiency and effectiveness. Takes ownership to lead execution cross‑functionally to remove obstacles and optimise resources and drives through complexity. Focused on results optimised for VF, not function. Partnership Leads collaboration across functions to drive synergy and resolve conflicts. Strengthens relationships and communication across teams and levels, act as a connector between business areas. Aligns stakeholders, tracks cro