We have a core belief that our toxic, sedentary lifestyles are making humans, and the planet, sick. So, we’re on a mission to change it. To help us keep the mission on track we’re looking for a Lab Manager to drive the efforts to upgrade Vivobarefoot’s lab testing spec & standards.

Working: Full time

Location: Hai Phong, with flexibility to travel to the South

What you’ll be doing:

As Lab Manager, you will be at the heart of Vivobarefoot’s quality mission. Whether it’s through working with our network of factory partners and material suppliers, or with our development and commercialisation teams, you’ll be driving the efforts to upgrade Vivobarefoot’s lab testing spec & standards and ensuring that all materials, components, and finished products meet internal and external quality, safety, and performance standards, so that the produst we put into the marketplace keep barefoot enthusiasts happy for as long as possible!. The role involves overseeing testing protocols, maintaining compliance with international standards, and supporting product development through technical insights.

• Upgrading and maintaining Vivobarefoot’s testing spec

• Ensure that all the standards the brand has in place and follows are fit for purpose, if need be implement, optimise and scale new testing across all relevant locations

• Ensure that the spec is a living document, up to date and complete, to keep up with Vivo’s new products, ranges, markets and standards

• Stay updated on new testing technologies and regulatory changes

• Lead the lab testing discussions with new partners and T2s

• Ensure that Vivobarefoot products are tested in labs which are SATRA accredited

• Ensure that the correct machinery is used and that factory staff are performing tests correctly and accurately

• Standardise the testing across Vivo’s partner network

• Lab setup, management and audit
• Lead the lab testing discussions with new partners and T2s
• Ensure that Vivobarefoot products are tested in labs which are SATRA accredited
• Ensure that the correct machinery is used and that factory staff are performing tests correctly and accurately
• Standardise the testing across Vivo’s partner network
• Work with external partners on factory and selected T2 laboratory audits, to ensure compliance and correct/appropriate testing, according to Vivo quality and durability standards.

• Work with the material team to ensure compliance with relevant global standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM, SATRA, REACH)

• Technical consultancy

• Work with the development team to ensure that testing results are accurate, understood and that action plans are in place to address any issue

• Collaborate with sourcing, design, and production teams to resolve testing and performance issues during development

• Recommend improvements to enhance product performance and durability

• Support root cause analysis and corrective action plans for production issues, claims and returns

All about you:

• Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Product Design, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a footwear or materials testing lab
• A proactive problem-solver, organised, self-sufficient, and capable of setting up new systems from scratch, thrives in a start-up-like environment
• Excellent communication in English and Vietnamese, and cross-functional collaboration
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and regenerative design
• Strong knowledge of international footwear testing standards
• Experience with lab management systems and data analysis tools