We’re looking for a seasoned footwear materials expert based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. You’ll be able to manage the Materials Team, as well as multiple team’s expectations, collecting design and merchandising requirements to develop and deliver materials that meet quality, function, cost and service requirements set by the brand.

You’ll work closely with Development, Costing and Operations teams creating beneficial supplier relationships managing processes that track and report SLA’s (Standard Level Agreements), KPI’s, innovation projects, cost saving initiatives and benchmark prices identifying opportunities to improve speed to market, product execution and efficiencies.

You’ll already have experience in a similar role with fashion, sports or lifestyle footwear brand and you’ll have a great network of leather suppliers. You’ll have a strong knowledge of leather prices and cost structures and have a commercial understanding of how these then drive price change. You’ll be an expert on the shoe-making process, and you’ll be a brilliant communicator with strong language skills.

The Responsibilities:

• Working in a global environment with teams in the UK, and across Asia to establish leather processes from sampling through production to achieve brand/design/commercial objectives.
• Understand brand needs to support creative progress and innovation.
• Ensuring that all leather development and production are aligned with the company sourcing direction.
• Execute leather briefs, inspiration requests to leather library/toolbox/Grid.
• Build and maintain leather library/toolbox/Grid and reports.
• Establish supply partnerships aligning to aesthetic, quality, price and service expectations.
• Ensure adherence to the seasonal calendar delivering product range in relation to leathers.
• Make sure that all new leather sourced and developed for FitFlop should meet the testing requirements.
• Ensure leather is being sourced from LWG accredited tanneries.
• Present to the product team suitable options that meet price point and design requirements as well as meet the needs of operations/production schedules and quality.
• Identify areas for material consolidation improving negotiating power, optimizing price and services received.
• Effective management of production issues where required
• Tannery relationships are optimized in all areas of price, development, supply and service.
• Manage the leather color approval, maintaining approved swatch library and ensuring swatches are refreshed to avoid color change due to light/age and all swatches distributed to suppliers and factories match the master swatch library.
• Develop metrics and standards for suppliers and review KPI’s regularly developing action plans for suppliers that are not in compliance.
• Expert technical leather knowledge to support product requirements.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, ensuring clear direction and accountability.
• Provide hands-on support and guidance, empowering the team to deliver results effectively.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficiency.
  

The Person:

• Solid experience dedicated to managing leather resources focused on casual fashion.
• Knowledge of existing and potential leather suppliers.
• Extensive knowledge of leather prices and cost structures, that drive price change.
• Strong understanding of leather manufacturing and planning process including lead time requirements for leather supply into factories and geographic variations that exist.
• Knowledge of source countries for leather & raw materials and their advantages and disadvantages.
• Experienced setting leather quality standards.
• Continuation of knowledge regarding new material technologies based on sustainability and recycling.
• Understanding of the shoe making process, shoe constructions & fit for purpose.
• Experience with physical and restricted substance testing.
• Basic knowledge of textile and synthetic footwear materials.
• English and Mandarin communication skills, (Vietnamese is a bonus).
• Able to use MS Office suite of software.
• Based in Vietnam and able to travel locally and internationally as needed.

The Benefits:

We’re all about giving people the tools to be the best they can be. Because, when we’re at our best (happy and healthy) together we have the power to do something amazing and really deliver. Our benefits include medical and social insurances, pension contribution, holiday, free pairs and product discounts, FitFlop Feel-Good program (including everything from mindfulness to financial wellbeing) and a full blended learning and development calendar.

Equal Opportunities

FitFlop is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, ethnicity, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We actively encourage neurodivergent candidates and individuals with disabilities to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to providing an accessible and supportive recruitment experience.