Manager, Material Portfolio

ABOUT YOUR ROLE: 

The Manager, Materials Portfolio Operations leads the day-to-day execution of VF Materials Library priorities, translating strategic direction and evolving business needs into clear plans, ownership and measurable delivery.  This role manages a portfolio of initiatives and operational priorities, balancing team capacity, creating visibility across workstreams and establishing accountability for effective delivery. You will lead and develop a distributed team while working closely with Materials Sourcing and other cross-functional partners to align priorities, clarify responsibilities and drive progress.  The successful candidate will bring structure to ambiguity, translate direction into action and build the operational discipline required for a developing function to scale. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE: 

Portfolio Planning & Execution 

• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, milestones, ownership and measurable outcomes. 

• Manage Materials Library initiatives, maintaining visibility of progress, dependencies, risks and decisions. 

• Drive priorities from direction through implementation and follow-through. 

Operational Leadership & Prioritisation 

• Balance business priorities, team capacity and longer-term capability development. 

• Establish clear priorities, delegate effectively and create accountability for delivery. 

• Bring structure to evolving processes and continuously improve ways of working. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Lead, motivate and develop a distributed Materials Library team. 

• Create clarity around expectations and ownership while empowering individuals to deliver. 

• Build a collaborative, accountable culture that enables technical specialists to perform at their best. 

Materials Library Governance 

• Ensure effective delivery of Materials Library operations, portfolio governance and data quality. 

• Coordinate portfolio activities including lifecycle management, consolidation, platforming and portfolio assessments. 

• Use materials and portfolio insights to identify opportunities and inform portfolio recommendations. 

Stakeholder Alignment 

• Build strong relationships across Materials Sourcing, brands, Product Development and other cross-functional partners. 

• Create alignment around priorities, responsibilities and decision points. 

• Translate materials and operational insights into clear recommendations and actions. 

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU: 

Operational & Portfolio Leadership 

• Ability to turn broad or evolving priorities into clear plans, ownership and outcomes.  

• Strong management of multiple workstreams, priorities, capacity and delivery.  

• Ability to create structure, accountability and momentum in an evolving environment. 

People Leadership 

• Ability to lead and develop a distributed team with clarity, trust and accountability.  

• Effective delegation that enables others to take ownership.  

• Ability to coach and empower technical specialists to perform at their best. 

Learning Agility & Problem Solving 

• Ability to learn unfamiliar topics quickly and adapt as priorities evolve.  

• Uses data and insight to identify opportunities and support decisions.  

• Demonstrates curiosity, initiative and practical problem-solving. 

Stakeholder Leadership 

• Ability to build strong relationships and alignment across different functions and priorities.  

• Communicates complex topics clearly and translates them into practical actions.  

• Influences effectively through collaboration and trusted relationships. 

Materials & Industry Knowledge 

• Knowledge of materials, textiles, apparel or product creation is beneficial. The ability to learn technical concepts quickly is essential. 

• Experience in sourcing, suppliers, portfolio management or materials systems is advantageous. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

• Being a part of a movement that is Purpose led which enables us to have a positive impact on communities around the world, it gives greater meaning to the work we do. 

• Working with a team of diverse and sharp minds that work with an inclusive and global mindset because our differences are what make us stronger together.  

• Providing you with the best in class, work environment, well-being policies and work place flexibility that is about helping you show up and lean into life with your whole self – emotionally, physically and socially.