Principal Program Manager, Enterprise Innovation

VF Corporation • Denver, CO

2d

About The Position

The Principal, Enterprise Innovation Program Manager (Special Projects) leads high impact, cross functional initiatives that accelerate VF Corp’s next wave of growth. Reporting to the VP, Enterprise Innovation, this role drives end-to-end delivery across complex, ambiguous workstreams that may include product special projects (footwear, apparel, and equipment), new product platforms, AI-enabled business solutions, digital capabilities, and emerging innovation bets. This role partners closely with leaders across Brand, Product, Digital, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, and regional teams to move concepts from validation to scaling and commercialization. The Principal shapes decisions through clear recommendations, investment inputs, and tradeoff framing, and ensures teams have the plans, governance, and operating cadence required to deliver results.

Requirements

• 8–12+ years of experience leading complex, cross‑functional programs and/or initiatives within large, matrixed organizations
• Demonstrated success driving strategic initiatives from concept through launch and scale enablement
• Proven ability to influence and align Sr. Manager/VP-level stakeholders, including facilitating trade-offs and decision-making in ambiguous environments
• Experience developing business case inputs, defining value creation, and managing delivery against outcomes
• Familiarity with innovation and commercialization across new product development, digital platforms, and emerging technology initiatives (including AI/data-enabled solutions)
• Track record of establishing strong delivery practices (plans, operating rhythms, reporting) across multi-workstream efforts
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complexity into clear narratives and recommendations
• Experience leading teams directly and/or through influence; ability to coach and develop talent on project teams
• Experience working with global teams across multiple time zones and cultures
• Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree preferred
• PMP, Agile, Lean, or equivalent certifications a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead a set of enterprise innovation special projects, setting priorities, sequencing work, and ensuring measurable outcomes
• Establish program-level governance (cadence, forums, decision rights, escalation paths) and ensure alignment to strategy and business priorities
• Translate ambiguity into delivery plans with clear objectives, milestones, dependencies, and success metrics
• Drive cross‑functional alignment across brands, regions, and functions; influence without authority to drive decisions and accountability
• Partner with Finance and functional teams to develop business case inputs, define success measures, and support funding/resource planning
• Drive execution across initiatives spanning product special projects (footwear, apparel, and equipment), new product development, AI-enabled tools/services, and new business models, ensuring readiness to scale
• Manage risks, issues, and interdependencies; lead mitigation strategies and scenario planning
• Create and deliver leadership‑ready updates, recommendations, and decision materials for program stakeholders and governance forums
• Manage external partners (vendors, startups, agencies, consultants) to accelerate discovery and delivery as needed
• Contribute to innovation best practices by creating playbooks, templates, and lessons learned; mentor project/program leads and peers

Benefits

• Annual incentive plan
• Sales incentive
• Commission potential
• Medical plan rates

What This Job Offers

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