This role supports quality assurance and risk mitigation specifically for apparel raw materials. The specialist will partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify potential quality issues and lead proactive measures to ensure consistent material performance and compliance. The role also supports supplier improvement through technical training, governance programs, and ongoing collaboration. Acts as a subject matter expert in apparel raw materials, educating cross-functional teams and promoting material knowledge across the organization. **How You Will Make a Difference** **_What you will do:_** + Drive and support the raw material certification and training initiatives to ensure seamless calibration and adherence to VF standards. + Partner with cross-functional teams to define material quality root causes and drive corrective action plans. + Maintain strong relationship and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and shared understanding. + Collaborate with Regional Quality team and Material Sourcing to identify quality risks and develop innovative solutions. + Deliver technical recommendations and best practices to continuously improve apparel raw material performance and reduce quality incidents. + Develop and implement procedures and guidelines that support quality consistency across all apparel raw material types and suppliers. + Drive processes and strategies to ensure effective communication internally among the various stakeholders and externally with fabric suppliers and testing labs. + Support the certification and training (SCP) of apparel raw materials to ensure alignment with VF quality standards and proper calibration procedures. **_How you will do it:_** + Actively connect with Brand and VF teams to share relevant material quality insights that impact product performance and customer satisfaction. + Foster authentic, solution-focused dialogue with stakeholders to align on quality goals. + Build credibility and strong partnerships within VF and across the apparel supply base **_What success looks like:_** + Demonstrate active listening and collaborative idea exchange to influence others toward achieving quality and performance objectives for apparel materials. + Applies facts and adapts own communication style and language based on the audience and situation. **Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity** As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. **Skills for Success** Years of related professional experience: 5 years Educational position requirements: A formal education and subsequent undergraduate/graduate degrees are nice to have, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements. + **_What we expect you already know:_** + 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 + Bilingual: English/Spanish + **_Required Competencies_** **_:_** + Continuous Improvement + Team Building + Excellent Communication Skills + Results Oriented + **_Others:_** + 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 Hybrid position R-20251008-0017 VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, 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.