Engineer, Sourcing Development, Footwear

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Engineer in Sourcing Development for Footwear, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of development samples and meeting milestone dates according to the product creation calendar. You will manage commercialization timelines, coordinate Tier 2 activities at assigned factories, and ensure engineering for productivity, product quality, integrity, and performance in line with brand policies and best practices.

You will be accountable for production-related activities at nominated vendors, ensuring adherence to VF standards, SOPs, and on-time performance. You will also support VF’s CSR standards and strategic initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development & Commercialization

Manage development processes with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors across all sample stages

Inspect development samples, including sales samples across countries of origin

Conduct activities related to new bottoms, uppers, color-ups, fit approval, material testing, wear testing, swatch sign-off, and cost approval

Plan Buy Ready process by SKU

Communicate product and performance requirements to vendors

Solve issues related to construction, performance, costing, and process

Coordinate factory capacity and material purchasing aligned with production calendar

Review tech package information and confirm pattern grading and tooling readiness

Confirm sample size patterns and molds for salesman samples

Assist in building production specifications

Propose and implement cost-saving, efficiency, automation, and quality improvement ideas

Conduct Tech 2 trials and confirm fit and wear testing

Introduce new products and cascade quality risks during tear-down and NPI meetings

Pre-Production & Production

Provide support as needed during pre-production and production phases

KEY COMPETENCIES

Deep technical knowledge of footwear categories and material properties

Basic knowledge of automation and computer stitching for upper pattern construction

General knowledge of last making, measurements, and mold/bottom checking

Ability to integrate technical applications without compromising design or cost

Ability to identify product quality and integrity risks and recommend corrective actions

Strong relationship-building skills with factories and cross-functional teams

Embrace VF’s guiding principles: Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, Empathy, Perseverance

Experience with branded footwear is required

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Experience in product development, commercialization, pre-production, and production in footwear or related fields within a multinational company

Good command of English and strong communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)

Travel: As required

R-

R-

Remote/Remotely/Tele/Telecommute/From home