* Position Definition (Key Purpose of the Position):
• Recommend and drive solutions through interaction with Brands and Asia functional groups.
• Has deep knowledge of the entire footwear creation and manufacturing process from Tech Package receipt through commercialization and T2 activities. Trouble shoot and recommend solutions as needed to ensure key factory activities are completed timely.
• Ensure quality of development samples and meet milestone dates according to the published product creation calendar.
• Maintain and track the commercialization timeline and additional reporting needs, and share out with FTW functional teams.
• Ensure commercialization and T2 activities are carried out at the assigned factories with a focus on engineering for best productivity, product quality consistency, product integrity and performance in accordance with the brands policies and best practices.
• Accountable for all development related activities in the nominated vendor ensuring that quality is being maintained to FTW standards, SOPs are being adhered to, and that "on time performance" obligations are being met.
• Ensures VF CSR standards are being maintained and continually elevated for the betterment of people and the planet.
• Executes VF Product strategic initiatives captured on OGSTM.
* Key Result Areas:
• Responsible to achieve agreed upon milestones and stage gates across the entire product creation process through T2.
• Carry out development and commercialization, related activities within his/her assigned factory to ensure that quality is being maintained to VF standards and that "on time performance" obligations are being met.
• Delivers the job goals by developing strategic relationships and effective communication with VF's cross functional departments such as QM, GMS, Engineering, SO, CSR, Planning and Costing organizations as well as related factory departments/teams to execute Costing and commercialization on time and in accordance with VF's policies and procedures.
Product Development/Commercialization
• Manage the development process with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors across prototype, line close, salesman samples, Tech 1 confirmation samples and SMU requests.
• Responsible for inspection of all development samples, including sales samples at various COO's.
• Conduct core related footwear activities around New Bottoms (TNs) / New Uppers / Color Ups including but not limited to project history, model fit approval, raw material testing, full shoe testing, wear testing, material swatch signoff and cost approval.
• Plan Buy Ready process by SKU.
• Communicate product and performance requirements to Tier 1 vendors to adhere to VF standards.
• Responsible for problem solving around construction / performance / costing / process and SOP sequences to enable consistent production at the highest level.
• Coordinate development factory capacity and material
purchasing according to needed production creation calendar milestones. Balance capacity needs with allocations on an ongoing basis.
• Review Brand PD tech package information before conducting Tech 2 trials / check and confirm Tier 1 vendor pattern grading is to Industry and/or brand standards.
• Confirm raw material and product testing meets Industry or brand standards before conducting Tech 2 trials. Review and confirm acceptance of raw material or shoe overrides received from Brand PD.
• Confirm sample size pattern and molds before conducting salesman sample making. Confirm Tech 2 tooling for handover to production.
• Assist on building production specifications.
• Propose and implement ideas around cost savings, efficiency, automation and process & quality improvements.
• Conduct Tech 2 trials according to the SOP to confirm the manufacturing process.
• Confirm fit and wear testing is best in class and fit for purpose.
Commercialization/Pre-Production
• Associate to assist where needed.