Specialist, Apparel and Accessories Standards

KEY JOB DESCRIPTION 
Under close supervision of Senior Specialist, the Specialist, Product Stewardship – Apparel & Accessories Standards Setting supports the development, maintenance, and implementation of performance standards for the Apparel and Accessories 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 cross-functional end-to-end 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 

Standards Setting and Brand Performance Testing Manual Support 

• Support the development, maintenance, and updating of Apparel and Accessories performance standards, requirements, and supporting guidance documents. 

• Gather and organize information, trends, and recurring issues identified throughout the year by Product Stewardship Testing Services, Product Safety, Quality Management, Voice of Consumer data and Global Product Stewardship teams. 

• Work closely with brands to help incorporate approved performance standards and updates into brand testing manuals and related execution documents. 

• Support communication of standards changes to internal and external stakeholders using established processes and guidance. 

Training, Education, and Stakeholder Support 

• Work closely with the Senior Specialist support training and education for vendors, suppliers, factories, in-house laboratories, and nominated third-party laboratories on VF brand-specific performance standards and requirements. 

• Provide clear technical information and practical guidance to support understanding and execution of performance standards. 

• Help prepare training materials, examples, and recurring issue summaries for stakeholder education. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

Laboratory Program and Proficiency Testing Support 

• Support proficiency testing activities for in-house laboratories and third-party laboratories in line with established program requirements. 

• Help evaluate the effectiveness and ongoing performance of certified in-house laboratories using defined criteria, records, and results. 

• Maintain documentation and follow-up actions that support the in-house laboratory certification program and re-certification cycle. 

Testing and Standards Coordination Support 

• Support review of testing observations, laboratory feedback, and standards-related issues to identify recurring themes for continuous improvement. 

• Coordinate with internal teams and laboratory partners to support consistent execution of performance standards and testing requirements. 

• 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. 

Standard Operating Procedures, End-to-end process and DACI updates 

• Help update SOPs and related supporting documents for performance standards implementation, test request workflows, test result review, retest handling, and other key testing platform processes. 

• Support clarification and maintenance of DACI and end-to-end process documentation to ensure roles, responsibilities, decision points, and escalation paths are clearly defined and communicated. 

• Escalate non-routine issues, gaps, or risks to the Senior Specialist or Senior Manager as needed. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) 

• Timeliness and accuracy of performance standards update and supporting documentation. 

• Quality and completeness of information gathered from testing services, product safety, and product stewardship teams to support performance standards updates. 

• Timeliness and quality of support provided for incorporation of standards into brand manuals. 

• Training support coverage and stakeholder understanding of VF brand standards. 

• Stakeholder adoption and understanding of testing platform use, end-to-end processes, DACI, and SOP requirements. 

• Timely completion of proficiency testing support activities and follow-up actions. 

• Accuracy and completeness of in-house laboratory certification records and program documentation. 

• Timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of updates to end-to-end processes, DACI, and SOP documentation. 

• Timely escalation and closure support for standards-related issues and laboratory program gaps. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 
Technical and Professional Expertise 

• Working knowledge of apparel and accessories performance standards, material and product testing, and laboratory practices gained through education and/or relevant experience. 

• Understanding of product stewardship, product safety, and regulatory compliance principles relevant to Apparel and Accessories. 

• Ability to organize technical information and translate standards into clear guidance and training support materials. 

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with brands, vendors, suppliers, factories, and laboratory partners. 

Analytical and Problem-Solving 

• Addresses recurring issues through fact finding, clarification, and basic analysis within established standards, procedures, and guidance. 

• Determines appropriate actions based on defined processes and escalates non-routine issues when needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Material Science, Textiles, Product Compliance, or a related field. 

• Equivalent experience in a substantially similar industry may be considered in lieu of a degree, based on the requirements of the role and hiring manager criteria. 

• One to two years of relevant experience in standards setting support, testing, quality, product stewardship, product safety, regulatory compliance, or a related field is preferred. 

• Experience working with brands, vendors, suppliers, factories, or laboratories is preferred.