Senior Specialist, Sourcing Operations

About your role:

You will be responsible for monitoring end-to-end production activities across your assigned portfolio of factories, ensuring alignment with VF’s quality standards, production timelines, and operational expectations. With a solid understanding of production process, your will contribute to real-time issue resolution, enforce adherence to SOP’s, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. In addition to handling core operational responsibilities, this role serves as a mentor to junior specialists and a key interface with factory management.

This position requires frequent travel to factory sites across the designated locations. This role is ideal for a results-driven professional with strong production operational acumen and technical knowledge . Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with both factory teams and internal stakeholders

Your responsibilities will include (but not limited):

• Coach and mentor other Production Specialists and factory personnel, sharing technical knowledge and best practices;
• Actively contribute on Risk Assessment (TD) and Pre-Production (T4) meetings by identifying risks and recommending actions to safeguard product quality and performance, ensuring alignment with brand standards and industry best practices;
• Support QM team to drive factory adherence to SOPs and product specifications during mass production, maintaining quality, aesthetics, and performance approved standards.
• Ensure that core KPIs are consistently met or exceeded by developing;
• Work closely with VF and the factory planning team to validate factory production planning schedule to achieve OTP targets.
• Make real-time production decisions when required, including line balancing and automation recommendations.
• Supervise production start-up for ”high-risk styles” in partnership with QM, to ensure products meet brand expectations for quality, aesthetics, and performance.
• Take full accountability for resolving daily production-related issues (e.g., material delays, low output) in close collaboration with VF functions and Factory partners.

• Support the RSO (Responsible Sourcing Ops) team in verifying the completion of social/environmental compliance corrective action plans and assist in implementing VF’s environmental and social programs (e.g., Higg Index, WCD, LABS).
• Provide on-the-ground support for automation adoption and process changes.
• Prepare production reports and insights for management;
• Leverage data analytics to improve factory performance and efficiency.
• Participate in root cause analysis and CAP reviews for quality claims with the QM team. Facilitate CAP implementation and ensure effectiveness of actions implemented.

What we will be looking for in you:

• Knowledge of the product category within the scope of this role with proven experience - understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and construction methods;

• Drive and passion to make a difference, presenting a growth mindset that role models positivity and curiosity;
• Product Development or Technical expertise will be an advantage.

Key Attributes:

• Embodies the highest level of personal and professional integrity and ethics.

• Passion for product and a consumer-first mindset;

• Able to manage complex and conflicting interpersonal interactions with others, solve problems, make decisions and work effectively under pressure. 
• Possesses excellent organizational and analytical skills;
• Able to collaborate with peers and superiors while building relationships with individuals and organizations across the globe. 
• Culturally sensitive and aware.
• Demonstrates a creative, energetic, and motivated spirit.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. MBA is a plus;
• Minimum 4--6 years of experience in the field of production operations or technical roles;
• Experience working with overseas factories, and a multi-cultural factory management team;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, PLM systems, and production planning tools.
• Fluent in English (written and Verbal) additional languages (Vietnamese, Khmer, Mandarin) are a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the region.

Originally posted on Himalayas