FW Product Supply Specialist – Felgueiras

VF International is looking for an exceptional Jr Product Supply Engineer Footwear to join our European Sourcing Office. The role will be based in Portugal.

VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic brands such as Vans®, The North Face® and Timberland®. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling.

Let’s Talk about the Role

This role is to support end-to-end brand activities, on site, in designated factories, from initial proto to end of production. Located in Portugal, the Footwear Engineer will be the primary contact for the head-quarter product teams and for the European Sourcing Office staff.

You will contribute to the EMEA sourcing strategy for all footwear products sourced from the EMEA region in sync with the brands business requirement. You will strive to optimize cost of product as well as lead-times, establishing partnership and securing quality and on time deliveries.

In this role you will focus on development, engineering, production planning and production follow up and a support to raw material research and quality.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Ensure quality of development samples and meet milestone dates according to the published product creation calendar.

• Maintain and track the commercialization timeline and additional reporting needs, and share out with Footwear functional teams. Conduct core related footwear activities around New Bottoms / New Uppers / Color Ups including but not limited to project history, model fit approval, raw material testing, full shoe testing, wear testing, material swatch signoff and cost approval.

• Review Brand PD tech package information before conducting Tech 2 trials / check and confirm Tier 1 vendor pattern grading is to Industry and/or brand standards.

• Assist on building production specifications.

• Propose and implement ideas around cost savings, efficiency, automation and process & quality improvements.

• Ensure pre-production activities are carried out at the assigned factories with a focus on engineering for best productivity, product quality consistency, product integrity and performance in accordance with the brands policies and best practices.

• Coordinates with the factories the scheduling & execution of commercialization/pre-production trials (T3 and T4) to ensure VF quality standards and requirements for the engineering and manufacturing of footwear are being adhered to.

• Continuously review product/process improvements necessary to achieve best productivity, production quality consistency, product integrity and performance.

• Executes product “transfers out” at the assigned factories ensuring tech packages are fully evaluated, accurate and complete, and delivered on time to the transfer in factory.

• Accountable for all production related activities in the nominated vendor ensuring that production quality is being maintained to FTW standards, Standard Operation procedures are being adhered to, and that “on time performance” obligations are being met.

• Work closely with VF and the factory planning team to validate factory production planning schedule to achieve “on time performance” targets.

• Support CSR to validate completion of corrective action plans.

Skills for Success

• Being flexible, proactive, ready for change and team player.

• Having a solid experience in the footwear industry or related field with a multinational company in charge of Commercialization, Pre-production & Production .

• Showing strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities with partners factories and good knowledge about last making and measurements and molds.

• Fluent English and excellent communication skills.

• Having basic knowledge of Automation/Computer stitching for upper pattern construction, grading/pattern interlocking for the convenience of Automation/ Computer stitching operation.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or footwear engineering degree will be an advantage.

• Good computer skills in Windows operating environment (Office, Word, Excel, etc.).

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands

• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

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.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.