Senior Developer, Materials Sourcing, Apparel

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Material Sourcing Developer to lead the development of innovative, high-performance materials that align with brand aesthetics, sustainability goals, and product creation timelines. This role serves as a key liaison between brand material development teams, product creation, and sourcing, ensuring materials meet design intent, performance standards, and commercial viability.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Material Development and Commercialization Support Drive end-to-end development of textiles from concept to commercialization across multiple apparel categories.
• Material Testing & Validation
• Oversee testing protocols and performance validation to ensure materials meet quality, durability, and compliance standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as the primary interface between brand material teams, product creation, and sourcing to ensure alignment on material strategy, timelines, and deliverables.
• Supplier Engagement & Management Partner with global mills and suppliers to develop innovative materials that meet brand and performance requirements, while ensuring cost and lead-time targets.
• Supplier, Trend & Innovation Scouting Stay ahead of industry trends, technologies, and innovations to bring forward-thinking material solutions to the brand.
• Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate records of material specifications, development status, and testing results; support reporting needs for seasonal reviews and sourcing decisions.
• Sustainability Integration Champion the integration of sustainable materials and processes into the development pipeline in alignment with corporate sustainability goals.

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

• Technical Expertise in Textiles Deep understanding of textile construction, finishing, dyeing, and performance characteristics.
• Project Management Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple development timelines and seasonal calendars.
• Communication & Influence Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across functions and influence decision-making.
• Problem Solving Ability to troubleshoot material issues and propose creative, commercially viable solutions.
• Sustainability Knowledge Familiarity with sustainable fibers, certifications (e.g., GRS, Oeko-Tex), and circular design principles.
• Digital Tools Proficiency Experience with PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with digital material libraries is a plus.
• Global Supplier Management Experience working with mills and vendors across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Being a part of a movement that is Purpose led which enables us to have a positive impact on communities around the world, it gives greater meaning to the work we do.
• Working with a team of diverse and sharp minds that work with an inclusive and global mindset because our differences are what make us stronger together.
• Providing you with the best in class, work environment, well-being policies and work place flexibility that is about helping you show up and lean into life with your whole self - emotionally, physically and socially.

Statement on Diversity & Inclusion

At VF, we foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences of our associates, customers, suppliers, and communities. VF is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status or any other legally protected factor.