Director, Innovation (Human Performance)

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more

about:

us – our values and our culture - visit VF Careers or www.vfc.com. What will you do? This role sits within our Innovation organization and leads the Human Performance function across all regions. You’ll collaborate closely with Product Creation, Design, Engineering, Development, and Materials teams. At its core, this position defines the company’s Human Performance strategy—spanning biomechanics, athlete insights, and real-world testing—to guide better, more informed product decisions.

This role reports to VP Enterprise Innovation. World testing—to guide better, more informed product decisions. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Build and lead the Human Performance strategy across footwear, apparel, and equipment categories.

Initial strategic focus on footwear.

• Oversee the development of a worldclass Biomechanics Lab, including equipment, test methods, and operational excellence.
• Lead and grow the Biomechanics and Wear testing teams, fostering a culture grounded in scientific rigor and innovation.
• Support the brand-specific, full lifecycle of wear testing programs—cohort management, study design, data capture, and reporting.

Partner closely with Product Creation, Design, Engineering, Development, and Materials to translate athlete insights into measurable product improvements.

• Guide investment in new technologies, lab capabilities, and sport science methods to elevate human performance understanding.
• Oversee budgets, vendor relationships, and operational frameworks supporting both biomechanics and wear testing.
• Communicate findings and insights clearly to leadership and category teams to inform roadmap decisions, class Biomechanics Lab, including equipment, test methods, and operational excellence.

What do you need to succeed? We all bring unique strengths to work every day. For this role, the foundation

skills:

below are essential. This position requires specialized

education:

, so instead of years of

experience:

alone, a master's or PhD in Biomechanics or a related field is required, along with extensive professional leadership

experience:

The foundation

skills:

you will need in this position are: Deep expertise in biomechanics, human movement science, and performance testing.

Experience:

• building or leading a biomechanics lab—including equipment selection, method development, and data protocols.

Strong leadership

skills:

with the ability to guide and develop multidisciplinary scientific teams. Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for product, design, and engineering partners.

Experience:

• overseeing largescale wear testing programs and study design.

Strong communication and cross functional collaboration

skills:

• Demonstrated ability to manage operations, budgets, and external vendor relationships.

A mindset rooted in scientific rigor, innovation, and athlete-centered thinking. There are also a few

skills:

that are not required but preferred.

Experience:

working brand side within product creation or innovation environments. Understanding of materials science and how materials impact athlete

experience:

Proficiency with scientific data analysis platforms and software.

Experience:

operating within sport science, performance, or athlete insights ecosystems within product creation or innovation. Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in? Hiring Range: $171,072.00 USD - $213,840.00 USD annually Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional

compensation:

awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional

compensation:

eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits:

at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVF

benefits:

.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your

benefits:

will be provided during the hiring process. Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific

compensation:

for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws. At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment

opportunity:

for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law. Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance

requirements:

, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®.

Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders.

VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.

VF is an equal employment

opportunity:

employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.

VF is committed to meeting the diverse needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner that is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of

opportunity:

, and will do so by striving to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility wherever possible as well as by meeting the accessibility

requirements:

under the ADA, AODA, and other applicable state, local or provincial regulations. VF is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA and complying with the ADA and AODA Standards for Accessible Design, and other applicable regulations.

If you need an accommodation or have any questions regarding this statement, please send your request to PeopleServices@vfc.com.