Associate Manager, Sourcing Development, Footwear

ABOUT THE ROLEAs an Associate Manager, Sourcing Development, Footwear, you will play a key role in supporting the development and commercialization process by ensuring quality of development samples and adherence to milestone timelines in line with the product creation calendar.In this role, you will lead day-to-day development coordination with vendors while guiding junior team members where applicable. You will work closely with Tier 1 and Tier 2 factories to support engineering execution, product quality, and on-time delivery, while aligning with VF’s standards and best practices.You will also collaborate with cross-functional partners to support product strategic initiatives and ensure smooth commercialization with strong focus on quality, costing, and operational efficiency.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESDevelopment & CommercializationLead and coordinate development activities with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors across all sample stagesReview and validate development samples (including sales samples across countries of origin) to ensure quality and execution readinessSupport key development milestones including new bottoms, uppers, color-ups, fit approvals, material testing, wear testing, swatch sign-off and cost validationDrive SKU-level Buy Ready planning in alignment with commercialization timelinesCommunicate product requirements and technical expectations clearly to vendors and internal teamsIdentify and resolve issues related to construction, performance, costing, and processes with guidance from senior team members where neededCoordinate with factories on capacity planning and material readiness in line with production calendarReview technical packages and support confirmation of pattern grading, tooling readiness, and sample size executionSupport development of production specifications and ensure accuracy of handover to productionIdentify opportunities for cost optimization, process efficiency, and quality improvement, and contribute to implementationParticipate in Tech 2 trials, fit validation, and wear testing processesSupport new product introductions and highlight potential quality or commercialization risks during development reviewsPre-Production & ProductionProvide technical support during pre-production and early production phases to ensure smooth transition from development to bulkPartner with cross-functional teams to address issues and ensure alignment on product quality and delivery timelinesTeam & Stakeholder CollaborationProvide guidance and day-to-day support to junior team members where applicableBuild strong working relationships with factory partners and internal stakeholders (Product, QA, Costing, Materials)Contribute to team knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives KEY COMPETENCIESStrong technical knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and development processesWorking knowledge of automation and computer stitching (upper pattern construction)Good understanding of last making, measurements, and tooling (bottom/mold validation)Ability to balance technical feasibility, design intent, and cost considerationsAbility to identify product risks and support corrective actions in partnership with stakeholdersStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsProven ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environmentBranded footwear experience preferredAlignment with VF’s guiding principles: Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, Empathy, PerseveranceQUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEExperience in footwear product development and commercialization within a multinational environmentExposure to development, pre-production, and production processesPrior experience guiding or informally leading team members is a plusGood command of English and strong communication skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)Travel: As requiredR-20260528-0039Originally posted on Himalayas