Specialist, Product Safety

Job description

KEY JOB DESCRIPTION Under close supervision, the Specialist, Product Safety supports the implementation of VF product safety requirements and helps ensure finished products placed in the market comply with applicable product safety regulations, internal standards, and customer expectations. The role supports product safety execution across Apparel, Accessories, Equipment, and Footwear product categories by coordinating with internal stakeholders, vendors, factories, suppliers, and laboratories. The Specialist follows established procedures to support product safety reviews, chemical safety testing governance, corrective action follow-up, retest review, shipment disposition support, compliance documentation, and stakeholder training. The role escalates non-routine or unresolved product safety issues to the supervisor or appropriate internal stakeholders and provides factual data and observations to support continuous improvement of product safety standards and processes. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. VF Product Safety Policies & Requirements Support a) Support implementation of VF product safety policies, standards, and supporting governance documentation across Apparel, Accessories, Equipment, and Footwear product categories. b) Apply established standards and procedures to help internal stakeholders, vendors, factories, suppliers, and laboratories understand and execute product safety requirements. 2. Product Safety Review and Close-the-Loop Support a) Support product safety line reviews during development, Production Readiness Meetings, and seasonal review stages by helping identify, document, and follow up on foreseeable safety concerns. b) Track mitigation actions and follow up with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and factories to support timely closure of product safety review findings. c) Escalate unresolved, repeat, or higher-risk safety concerns in line with established governance expectations. 3. Chemical Safety Testing and RSL Execution Support a) Support chemical safety testing execution based on VF Restricted Substances List requirements and required test packages. b) Verify that testing scope, required components, and supporting information are complete before routing or reviewing results for disposition support. c) Maintain accurate testing records and status updates in applicable systems or tracking tools. 4. Factory and Supplier Facility Engagement Support a) Support factory and supplier facility engagement to understand chemical management practices and implementation of VF product safety expectations. b) Assist with documentation of facility visit observations, identified gaps, corrective actions, and follow-up status. c) Support vendor, factory, and supplier education on VF requirements using established training materials and guidance. 5. Compliance Documentation and CPSC eFiling Support a) Support preparation, review, and submission of CPSC CPSIA CPC / GCC information for eFiling using the testing platform or applicable tools. b) Verify completeness and accuracy of required compliance information in line with established procedures and shipment readiness timelines. 6. APAC Targeted Testing Program Support a) Support APAC Targeted Testing program execution, including sample coordination, testing status tracking, communication of results, and documentation of outcomes. b) Track corrective action closure for targeted testing findings and provide factual updates to support continuous improvement. 7. Training, Education, and Stakeholder Support a) Support training for internal stakeholders and external partners on product safety, chemical safety, testing requirements, and platform or process use. b) Provide clear technical guidance to support understanding and consistent execution of established product safety requirements. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) • Timeliness and accuracy of product safety review support, documentation, and close-the-loop follow-up. • Completeness and accuracy of chemical safety testing scope verification, records, and status updates. • Timeliness and quality of corrective action closure for product safety, chemical safety, and targeted testing findings. • Accuracy, completeness, and on-time support of CPSC CPSIA CPC / GCC eFiling documentation. • Timeliness of shipment support decisions and escalation of non-routine or high-risk issues. • Training coverage and stakeholder adoption of product safety requirements, testing processes, and platform procedures. • Quality of factual data, recurring issue insights, and observations provided to support standards and process improvement. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Material Science, Textiles, Product Compliance, or a related field. • Equivalent experience in a substantially similar industry may be considered in lieu of a degree, based on the requirements of the role and hiring manager criteria. • One to two years of relevant experience in product safety, product stewardship, regulatory compliance, testing, quality, or a related field is preferred. • Experience working with vendors, factories, suppliers, laboratories, or cross-functional product teams is preferred. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • Working knowledge of product safety, chemical safety testing, product stewardship, and regulatory compliance gained through education and/or relevant experience. • Knowledge of standard practices, procedures, and workflows related to product safety reviews, testing requirements, report review, corrective actions, retest support, and disposition support. • Understanding of apparel, accessories, equipment, and footwear product safety expectations, chemical safety requirements, and laboratory or supplier coordination. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to internal and external stakeholders. • Addresses recurring issues that require fact finding, clarification, and basic analysis within established processes and policies. • Determines appropriate actions based on established guidelines, procedures, and precedent, and escalates non-routine issues when needed. • Uses prior experience and basic problem-solving skills to support corrective action follow-up and issue resolution. • Proficient Microsoft Office skills and ability to use testing platforms, tracking tools, and standard business systems. R-20260730-0008