Specialist, Footwear & Equipment, Product Stewardship

Under close supervision of Senior Specialist, the Specialist, Product Stewardship – Footwear & Equipment Standards Setting supports the development, maintenance, and implementation of performance standards for the Footwear and Equipment product categories. The role learns from information continuously gathered from Product Stewardship Testing Services, Product Safety, and Global Product Stewardship teams, and works closely with brands to incorporate performance standards and updates into brand-specific testing manuals. The role partners closely with the Senior Specialist to support training and education for vendors, suppliers, factories, in-house laboratories, and nominated third-party laboratories on VF brand-specific performance standards and use of the testing platform. The role also supports updates to end-to-end cross-functional processes, DACI, and SOPs related to performance standards, testing, retests, and testing platform usage. In addition, the role supports proficiency testing, evaluates the effectiveness of certified in-house laboratories, and helps maintain the in-house laboratory certification program.

Technical and Professional Expertise:
• Working knowledge of Footwear and Equipment performance standards, material and product testing, and laboratory practices gained through education and/or relevant experience.
• Understanding of product stewardship, product safety, and regulatory compliance principles relevant to Footwear and Equipment.
• Ability to organize technical information and translate standards into clear guidance and training support materials.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with brands, vendors, suppliers, factories, and laboratory partners.

Analytical and Problem-Solving:
• Addresses recurring issues through fact finding, clarification, and basic analysis within established standards, procedures, and guidance.
• Determines appropriate actions based on defined processes and escalates non-routine issues when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Material Science, Textiles, Product Compliance, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience in a substantially similar industry may be considered in lieu of a degree, based on the requirements of the role and hiring manager criteria.
• One to two years of relevant experience in standards setting support, testing, quality, product stewardship, product safety, regulatory compliance, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with brands, vendors, suppliers, factories, or laboratories is preferred.