Principal Program Manager, Enterprise Innovation

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 What will you do? 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. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. 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 What do you need to succeed? We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 8–12+ years of experience leading complex, cross‑functional programs and/or initiatives within large, matrixed organizations. The foundation skills you will need in this position are: 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; MBA or advanced degree preferred PMP, Agile, Lean, or equivalent certifications a plus What Success Looks Like Special projects deliver against defined objectives with clear governance, milestones, and stakeholder alignment Leaders have consistent visibility into progress, dependencies, risks, and decisions—enabling timely course correction Programs progress beyond pilots and proofs of concept, with clear scale requirements and operational handoffs defined Business case inputs and success measures are well-defined, and initiatives track measurable value (growth, margin, productivity, customer experience) Teams adopt repeatable practices (playbooks, templates, lessons learned) that increase speed and consistency across innovation delivery Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in? Hiring Range: $142,560.00 USD - $178,200.00 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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. 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