Senior Manager, Innovation (Making & Making Facility - ...

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity.So, before we get to the job details,takea minute to learn a little more about us u2013 our values and our culture - visitVF Careers (or . What will you do? A day in the life of anInnovation Sr. Manager, Making & Making Facility u2013 Footwear Concepts at VF looks a little like this. This role sits within our Innovation organization and supports concept creation work across global footwear initiatives. Youu2019ll partner closely with Design, Engineering, Materials, and Advanced Innovation teams. At its core, this position leads the Making Facilityu2014balancing operational management with hands on, high craft prototype creation that brings early concepts to life. This role reports to the VP of Innovation. Letu2019sbreak down that day-in-the-life a bit more. + Lead daily operations of the Making Facility, ensuring the space is safe, organized, and set up for consistentlyhigh-qualitywork. + Manage how prototype requests are received, prioritized, and scheduled so the team can support concepts generated across design and engineering. + Personally build the most complex and experimental prototypesu2014setting the standard for craft, accuracy, and execution. + Translate briefs, sketches, CAD models, and materials direction into clear build plans, including method selection and tooling needs. + Troubleshootchallengingbuildsand develop new techniques, fixtures, or processes to solve unique fabrication problems. + Lead, coach, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of makers, technicians, and specialists through handson guidance andskill building. + Manage all tools, equipment, and machinery within the Making Facilityu2014including maintenance, upgrades, and new capability investments. + Create andmaintainSOPs, safety practices, and documentation that support highquality, repeatable builds. + Collaborate closely withcross functionalpartners to support concept creation needs andshare makingknowledge across teams and geographies. + Provide feasibility feedback on early ideas, acting as the bridge between conceptual direction and physical execution. What do you need to succeed? We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skillsyouu2019llneed to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your7-10+years of experience and professional achievements. The foundation skills you will need in this position are: + Extensive experience in footwear prototyping, model making, fabrication,or handsoncraft environments. + Deep mastery across multiple making methods, including cutandandsew, patternmaking, molding/casting, foam construction, and digital fabrication. + Experience managing a makerspace, fabrication lab, or advanced prototyping environment. + Proven capability to personally build complex prototypes with exceptional craft and attention to detail. + Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide a technical team. + Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills to manage workflows and prioritize work effectively. + Ability to develop, document, andmaintainfabrication methods, processes, and safety practices. + Strongproblem-solvingsolvingskills and the creativity to develop new fabrication techniques when needed. There are also a few skills that are notrequiredbut preferred. + Experience leading ahigh volumeorhighly complexprototyping environment. + Proficiencyin digital modeling tools such as Rhino, Fusion 360, or Blender. + Experience documenting fabrication techniques or developing new methods. + Familiarity with advanced materials, automation, or emerging fabrication technologies. Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in? Hiring Range : $124,000.00 USD - $155,000.00 USD annually Incentive Potential : This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process. Benefits at VF Corporation : You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process. _P_ _lease note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws._ _At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individualu2019s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at_ _ _. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law._ _Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records._ VF Diversity Vision StatementVF 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.

Created: 2026-03-07