Build the commercial engine behind world-class footwear.
shoefabrik is one of the world’s leading premium footwear design, development and sourcing companies.
For more than 25 years we have partnered with many of the industry’s most respected brands to transform ideas into exceptional products.
Today, we are entering an exciting new chapter.
We are investing heavily in our people, systems, digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence and manufacturing capabilities as we build one of the industry’s most progressive footwear product creation businesses.
This position is based full-time at our large, modern and multicultural footwear design, development and sourcing centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where more than 100 talented professionals from around the world work together across design, engineering, product creation, commercial, sourcing, operations and manufacturing.
Alongside our global sourcing business, we have also invested in our own future-focused manufacturing facility, enabling us to incubate new customer programmes, manufacture highly premium and specialist footwear, accelerate innovation, validate advanced manufacturing technologies and produce our own circular footwear brand, SOLK.
We are now looking for an exceptional Head of Costing & Commercial Excellence to lead one of the most strategically important functions within our business.
This is far more than a costing role.
Unlike many sourcing companies, all product costings at shoefabrik are developed entirely in-house before being presented to our manufacturing partners for collaborative review, discussion and agreement. As a result, this role sits at the centre of every important commercial decision we make.
You will lead the team responsible for developing commercially robust costing strategies across both our sourcing business and manufacturing operation, helping build long-term partnerships that create value for our customers, manufacturing partners, suppliers and shoefabrik alike.
If you enjoy solving complex commercial challenges, building systems, leading people and embracing new technologies, we’d love to hear from you.
Your responsibilities
Reporting to our Chief Sourcing Officer and working closely with the CEO and the wider leadership team, you will:
— Lead shoefabrik’s Costing & Commercial Excellence function.
— Develop and implement brand-specific costing standards based on each customer’s individual business model.
— Oversee all commercial costing activities across both our sourcing business and manufacturing operation.
— Develop accurate, transparent and commercially sustainable FOB costings for premium footwear.
— Drive value engineering and cost optimisation without compromising product quality or brand intent.
— Develop modern costing systems, commercial reporting and business intelligence dashboards.
— Champion digital technologies, automation and Artificial Intelligence.
— Work closely with Product Creation, Engineering, Sourcing, Manufacturing and Commercial teams.
— Build trusted relationships with customers, manufacturing partners and suppliers.
— Coach, mentor and develop a high-performing Costing Team.
What we’re looking for
Essential
— Significant experience costing premium footwear.
— Strong understanding of footwear construction and manufacturing processes.
— Experience leading a professional costing team.
— Excellent commercial judgement and analytical ability.
— Outstanding communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
— Strong Excel and costing system skills.
— Continuous improvement mindset.
— Fluent English communication skills.
Highly desirable
— PLM and ERP experience.
— Business Intelligence, automation or AI experience.
— Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
— International sourcing experience.
— Experience with premium footwear brands.
What we offer
— Opportunity to shape one of shoefabrik’s most commercially influential functions.
— Leadership role serving many of the world’s leading footwear brands.
— Large, modern and multicultural working environment in Ho Chi Minh City.
— Opportunity to influence both global sourcing and our own manufacturing operation.
— Significant investment in digital systems, automation and Artificial Intelligence.
— Long-term career development.
— Competitive salary and benefits.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of nationality, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or background.
We are proud to be a multicultural organisation and believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. International candidates are encouraged to apply. Relocation and work permit support is provided for the successful candidate, and we will guide you through the Vietnamese work permit process and the documentation it requires.