Senior Engineer, Sourcing Development, Footwear

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Engineer in Sourcing Development for Footwear, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of development samples and meeting milestone dates according to the product creation calendar. You will manage commercialization timelines, coordinate Tier 2 activities at assigned factories, and ensure engineering for productivity, product quality, integrity, and performance in line with brand policies and best practices.

You will support VF’s product strategic initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure production quality, on-time performance, and compliance with VF standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development & Commercialization

• Manage development processes with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors across all sample stages
• Inspect development samples, including sales samples across countries of origin
• Conduct activities related to new bottoms, uppers, color-ups, fit approval, material testing, wear testing, swatch sign-off, and cost approval
• Plan Buy Ready process by SKU
• Communicate product and performance requirements to vendors
• Solve issues related to construction, performance, costing, and process
• Coordinate factory capacity and material purchasing aligned with production calendar
• Review tech package information and confirm pattern grading and tooling readiness
• Confirm sample size patterns and molds for salesman samples
• Assist in building production specifications
• Propose and implement cost-saving, efficiency, automation, and quality improvement ideas
• Conduct Tech 2 trials and confirm fit and wear testing
• Introduce new products and cascade quality risks during tear-down and NPI meetings

Pre-Production & Production

• Provide support as needed during pre-production and production phases

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Deep technical knowledge of footwear categories and material properties
• Basic knowledge of automation and computer stitching for upper pattern construction
• General knowledge of last making, measurements, and mold/bottom checking
• Ability to integrate technical applications without compromising design or cost
• Ability to identify product quality and integrity risks and recommend corrective actions
• Strong relationship-building skills with factories and cross-functional teams
• Branded footwear experience required
• Alignment with VF’s guiding principles: Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, Empathy, Perseverance

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience in product development, commercialization, pre-production, and production in footwear or related fields within a multinational company
• Good command of English and strong communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Travel: As required

Originally posted on Himalayas