Specialist, Footwear & Equipment, Product Stewardship

KEY JOB DESCRIPTION Under close supervision of Senior Specialist, the Specialist, Product Stewardship – Footwear & Equipment Standards Setting supports the development, maintenance, and implementation of performance standards for the Footwear and Equipment product categories. The role learns from information continuously gathered from Product Stewardship Testing Services, Product Safety, and Global Product Stewardship teams, and works closely with brands to incorporate performance standards and updates into brand-specific testing manuals. The role partners closely with the Senior Specialist to support training and education for vendors, suppliers, factories, in-house laboratories, and nominated third-party laboratories on VF brand-specific performance standards and use of the testing platform. The role also supports updates to end-to-end cross-functional processes, DACI, and SOPs related to performance standards, testing, retests, and testing platform usage. In addition, the role supports proficiency testing, evaluates the effectiveness of certified in-house laboratories, and helps maintain the in-house laboratory certification program. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Standards Setting and Brand Performance Testing Manual Support a) Support the development, maintenance, and updating of Footwear and Equipment performance standards, requirements, and supporting guidance documents. b) Gather and organize information, trends, and recurring issues identified throughout the year by Product Stewardship Testing Services, Product Safety, Quality Management and Voice of Consumer data along with Global Product Stewardship teams. c) Work closely with brands to help incorporate approved performance standards and updates into brand manuals and related execution documents. d) Support communication of performance standards changes to internal and external stakeholders using established processes and guidance. 2. Training, Education, and Stakeholder Support a) Work closely with the Senior Specialist to support training and education for vendors, suppliers, factories, in-house laboratories, and nominated third-party laboratories on VF brand-specific performance standards and requirements. b) Provide clear technical information and practical guidance to support understanding and execution of performance standards. c) Help prepare training materials, examples, and recurring issue summaries for stakeholder education. d) Support the development and update of training materials, user guidance, and reference documents related to performance standards, testing requirements, testing platform use, and retest procedures. e) Support training for vendors, suppliers, factories, and in-house laboratories on the end-to-end testing process and effective use of the testing platform, including testing requests, results review, and related workflow requirements. 3. Laboratory Program and Proficiency Testing Support a) Support proficiency testing activities for in-house laboratories and third-party laboratories in line with established program requirements. b) Help evaluate the effectiveness and ongoing performance of certified in-house laboratories using defined criteria, records, and results. c) Maintain documentation and follow-up actions that support the in-house laboratory certification program and re-certification cycle. 4. Testing and Standards Coordination Support a) Support review of testing observations, laboratory feedback, and standards-related issues to identify recurring themes for continuous improvement. b) Coordinate with internal teams and laboratory partners to support consistent execution of performance standards and testing requirements. c) Support the review, update, and maintenance of end-to-end processes, DACI, and SOPs related to standards, testing, use of the testing platform, retests, and associated governance requirements. 5. Standard Operating Procudures, End-to-end process and DACI updates a) Help update SOPs and related supporting