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,