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.

We are a footwear company, a health and wellbeing company and we’re searching for a Materials Manager with exceptional skills and talent to help us make this dream into a reality.

Does the shoe fit? Read on…

The Materials Manager will implement and manage our material sourcing and value chain strategy through management and assessment of our Asia toolbox and material vendors.  The role will help deliver regenerative, fit for purpose and innovative materials solutions that will drive high levels of business growth by balancing innovation, cost, quality, agility, compliance and sustainability.

What you'll be doing:

• -         Assisting in implementation of the long-term sourcing, materials and regeneration strategy in Asia.

• -         Managing Asia materials toolbox with recommendations for new T2 material partners where appropriate. 

• -         Working to align existing and new T2-5 value chain to Vivobarefoot's best practice tool.

• -         Select long term material suppliers that respond to the desired product + innovation direction whilst balancing cost, quality, service, and adhering to corporate responsibility and sustainability principles. 

• Develop long term relationship and a strong network and ensure full supply chain transparency to maximise agility and sustainability.

• -         Help to negotiate contracts, capacity, exchange rates and payment terms with T2 material partners.

• -         Ensure receipt of full and transparent seasonal material quotations.  Own the price negotiation of the materials and component costs.

• -         Partner with category, design, development and innovation leads each season to determine material sourcing needs. Develop and deliver on time, fit for purpose quality, sustainable, innovative and cost effective materials.

• -         Advise T2-5 Supplier Partners of seasonal production calendar, unit plans and negotiate minimums as applicable

• -         Assess T2-5 Supplier Partners performance each season against set company values and materials KPI and present post-season analysis with recommendations to mitigate risk or onboard new suppliers

• -         Provide technical support and expertise to product and development teams to achieve required quality standards and agreed critical path.

• -         Help to set up short lead-time replenishment on key material articles to support our NOS (Never Out of Stock) proposition on key product lines.  Ensuring a good balance of margin, lead-time, quality and regenerative properties.

• -         Support implementation of Vivobarefoot materials roadmap for regenerative materials including full transparency on location, specification, price, quality and delivery requirements for each material and certification verification where claimed.

• -         Help implement and ensure compliance for social, ethical and environmental as according to Vivobarefoot standards.  Carry out supplier visits and help to arrange and coordinate on-going monitoring and continuous improvement as agreed with Head of Regenerative Impact.

What do you need to apply?

-         In-depth international material sourcing experience working with a HQ team and sourcing to develop the global short and long-term sourcing strategy while balancing cost, quality, service, and adhering to sustainability principles.

-         Excellent knowledge of textiles and performance fabrics particularly polyester + RPET, nylon, cotton + wool, their application and suitability for different applications.  Excellent understanding of engineered knits their manipulation and production methods to achieve a desired look.

-         Good knowledge of leather suitability for performance and construction along with skin grading and cutting coefficients.

-         Passionate about building material sustainability and innovation into product and the supply chain

-         Keep up to date with the Political, Economic, Sociocultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental “PESTEL” factors and when appropriate take necessary action.

-         Negotiator and networker, confident to maintain and cultivate sustainable working relationships across all levels and cultures

-         Critical Path & Calendar management, on time and in full deliveries by anticipating and managing business demands and coordinating timeframes.

-         Takes Sustainability best practice seriously within product and throughout the supply chain and in particular around the trade-offs associated with commercial choice vs sustainable choice

-         Strategic leadership, a strong leader guided by the brand values to deliver results by providing materials guidance and knowledge mentoring team members, a great team player