Samuel C.

Materials Manager | Driving Efficiency & Innovation in Supply Chain Management

Hong Kong SAR

About

Experience

  • Lead Materials Manufacturing Manager at Nike

  • Gap year at Career Break

  • Digital Transformation Lead at Li & Fung

    ​Digital Transformation: Engineered and launched customized 3D virtual sampling programs across Global Hardlines Sourcing (GHS), tailoring digitalization roadmaps to meet the unique technical requirements of diverse product categories. ​Systems Migration & Integration: Orchestrated the end-to-end migration from legacy physical development to a high-velocity digital ecosystem by researching emerging 3D platforms, tracking project KPIs, and ensuring seamless tool adoption across the global group

  • Materials Manager at VF Corporation

    ​Spearheaded VF’s enterprise-wide digital materials transformation by architecting a unified strategy and centralized library across all global brands. Partnered with PLM Data Governance to define critical material attributes, establishing the foundational Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for the entire corporation. ​Directed cross-functional teams across Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Vietnam to accelerate product development lifecycles. Orchestrated the transition from physical to digital workflows, enabling brands to leverage high-fidelity digital assets for rapid prototyping and design. ​Launched and scaled a 3D transformation initiative for Tier 2 material and trim suppliers. Managed the end-to-end onboarding process, including digital scanning, material testing, and 3D modeling, while directly negotiating with vendors and third-party solution platforms to ensure technical integration. ​Strategic Process Engineering (S2A): Pivotal contributor to the "Simplify to Amplify" (S2A) digital transformation. Re-engineered the Quality Assurance workflow by designing future-state processes, establishing SOPs, and conducting risk assessments. Successfully piloted vendor platforms and defined the long-term strategic roadmap for QA integration into the S2A ecosystem.

  • Assistant Product Design Manager at Li & Fung

    Strategic Product Development & Private Label Management ​Orchestrated the end-to-end design, development, and oversight of high-revenue private-label outdoor living programs for major US/EU retailers (Tractor Supply Co, Menards) and internal Li & Fung brands. Led cross-functional teams of engineers, designers, and merchandisers to align product specifications with aggressive market demands and performance criteria. ​Product Innovation & IP Creation: Spearheaded the R&D of groundbreaking, patent-ready consumer technologies, including a modular smart flashlight system, an AC/DC portable heated blanket, and an integrated "all-in-one" flash cooking system. Managed the prototyping phase to bridge the gap between conceptual industrial design and mass-market manufacturing. ​Operational Excellence & Lifecycle Management: Directed product development schedules, multi-million dollar budgets, and stringent quality control protocols across global factory networks. Conducted deep-dive competitor analysis and market research to ensure all outdoor gear and gardening tool portfolios maintained a competitive edge in the global marketplace. ​Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Integration: Managed a regional merchandising team to optimize sourcing for high-volume Tier-1 customers. Coordinated directly with third-party vendors and factories to stabilize production goals, mitigate supply chain risks, and ensure adherence to international safety and quality standards.