Key Purpose of the Job:  

This role supports quality assurance and risk mitigation specifically for footwear materials. The Senior Specialist will partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify potential material quality issues and lead proactive measures to ensure consistent performance, compliance, and fitness-for-use of footwear materials. This role also supports supplier performance improvement through technical training, governance programs, and cross-functional collaboration. As a subject matter expert in footwear materials, this role will educate teams, drive material knowledge sharing, and promote material innovation and excellence across the organization. 

Key Area of Responsibility: 

Lead and support the certification and training (SCP) of footwear material suppliers to ensure alignment with VF quality standards and proper calibration procedures. 

Partner with cross-functional teams (Brands, Sourcing, Product Development, GMS, etc.) to identify root causes of material quality issues and implement corrective actions for footwear materials. 

Maintain clear, consistent communication with internal teams and external footwear material suppliers, promoting alignment and mutual understanding. 

Collaborate with Regional Quality (RO QM) and Global Material Services (GMS) to identify quality risks and co-develop innovative solutions specific to footwear. 

Deliver technical recommendations and best practices to improve the performance, durability, and reliability of footwear materials, while reducing quality incidents. 

Develop and implement processes and guidelines to ensure quality consistency across all categories of footwear materials, from synthetics to textiles and leathers. 

Ensure effective testing and validation of footwear materials, collaborating with internal labs and third-party testing facilities to support product compliance and performance. 

Strategic Role Relationship Building 

Engage with Brand and VF Asia teams to share actionable insights on footwear material quality that influence product outcomes and customer satisfaction. 

Build strong, trust-based partnerships within VF and with the global footwear supply base to advance material quality and innovation goals. 

Facilitate solution-oriented conversations with stakeholders to align on material performance expectations and quality targets. 

Leadership 

Exhibit strong listening, communication, and collaboration skills to guide and influence cross-functional teams toward achieving high standards in footwear material quality and performance. 

Job Requirements  

Minimum Relevant Experience:  5 years 

Minimum Supervisory Experience: N/A 

Minimum Academic Requirement:  University degree preferred 

Major Subjects: Textile / Chemical / Quality Management   

Required Professional Qualification: 

Applicable experience in Raw material R&D, manufacturing, or related experience. 

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Detail oriented with strong organizational skills 

Proven ability to develop and apply analytic solutions to solve business problems 

Ability to work at a high level and detail level to draw conclusion and make recommendations 

Excellent written and oral communication skills 

Language Proficiency (Please delete where inappropriate):  

Writing Skills: 

1. English: Excellent  

2. Chinese: 

3. Others, pls specify: 

Excellent / Good / Average / Fair 

Oral Skills:  

1. English:  Excellent  

2. Cantonese: 

3. Mandarin: 

 4. Others, pls specify: 

Excellent / Good / Average / Fair 

Required Competencies:  

Continuous Improvement 

Team Building 

Excellent Communication Skills 

Results Oriented 

Other Requirements: 

Proficient in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint 

Good analytical and problem solving skill 

Familiar with 5S / ISO 9001 / 8D problem solving 

Familiar with Fishbone Diagram / 5 WHY 

Knowledge in Six Sigma disciplines would be advantageous 

Manufacturing Operations Knowledge