Director, Innovation (Human Performance)

VF Corporation • Denver, CO

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director