Job Description

LOCATION

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ZURICH

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Footwear Product Creation

In short

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Swiss Engineering is not about excess, but about intent. This role leads the creation of a future-ready footwear materials portfolio, engineered for performance, durability, and responsibility, and built to support innovation and long-term growth without compromise. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our brand as Head of Footwear Materials. As the leader of the footwear materials team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our footwear by driving performance, innovation, quality, and sustainability across the entire product range. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply deep expertise in materials science, implementation and manufacturing, market insight, scalable operations, and supply chain leadership to build exceptional materials systems--and, in doing so, strengthen the foundation of our brand.

Your Mission

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Leadership and Strategy:
Develop and execute the strategic vision for footwear materials, aligning it with the overall brand and sourcing strategy. Lead and inspire a team of materials specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, strategy, development, quality, sustainability, and sourcing, to ensure effective integration of materials in footwear products.
Material Development and Innovation:
Stay at the forefront of material science, emerging technologies, and market trends to identify and develop innovative materials that meet performance, durability, and sustainability requirements. Conduct research and collaborate with external partners to identify new material opportunities and drive material advancements. Build, maintain and refresh the global footwear materials and embellishments toolboxes in partnership with key functional partners Lead complete oversight of all material developments from concept to commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.
Supplier Management and Collaboration:
Build and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers, ensuring, in partnership with the Head of Material Sourcing, a robust and reliable supply chain from development through production. Partner closely with suppliers to drive innovation, performance, quality, and sustainability goals. Collaborate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve material-related issues, and ensure compliance with brand standards and regulations. Frequently evaluate and take action on supplier performance and portfolio in partnership with the Head of Material Sourcing
Quality Assurance and Testing:
Establish and enforce rigorous material testing and quality control protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards and brand requirements. Work closely with quality assurance teams to address any material-related issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent quality deviations. Stay informed about industry regulations and standards related to footwear materials, proactively ensuring compliance and guiding the brand's sustainability efforts.
Sustainability and Circular Economy:
Drive sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities for eco-friendly materials and processes, waste reduction, and circular economy practices. Collaborate with sustainability teams to set goals, track progress, and report on the brand's sustainability performance related to footwear materials. Engage with stakeholders, industry groups, and sustainability organizations to stay informed and contribute to industry-wide sustainability efforts.

Your story

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Proven experience (15+ years) in footwear material development, sourcing, and supply chain management within the sports industry. Deep knowledge of sport and lifestyle footwear materials and manufacturing processes. Experience shaping bespoke, premium material solutions, combining performance engineering with the craft and attention to detail expected in high-end lifestyle products. Demonstrated experience leading and delivering strategic change within complex fast growing organisations. An innate drive to build, take ownership of execution, and work autonomously while remaining aligned to shared goals. Strong leadership capability, with the ability to lead, influence, and inspire cross-functional teams. Extensive experience developing expertise within materials and footwear manufacturing environments. Highly adaptable, with the ability to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments. Hands-on by nature, with a willingness to travel as required, including short-notice trips when needed. A collaborative leader who fosters teamwork and creates an environment where people feel valued and included. Proven experience driving sustainability and circular-economy initiatives in footwear materials. A passion for innovation, with the ability to identify and scale new materials, technologies, and processes to improve performance, sustainability, and cost effectiveness. Deep understanding of material testing standards, quality-control processes, and regulatory requirements. Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and senior leadership. Strong project-management capability, with a track record of delivering material development projects on time and within budget. A genuine passion for sport, with a keen eye for market trends, consumer needs, and functional performance requirements.

About the Team

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The Footwear Materials team sits at the foundation of every On product. We explore, engineer, and validate all material types that enable performance footwear--whether for runners, hikers, or everyday athletes. Our work blends curiosity with discipline: researching, developing, and rigorously testing ideas until only the most proven and premium solutions make it to market.###

Zurich

Just by the banks of the Limmat you'll find our largest global hub in Zurich West - On Labs - where you can hike up 12 floors through our custom-built spiral trail.
Forrlibuckstrasse 190,

8005

Switzerland

Ernest

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FOOTWEAR DEVELOPMENT, HO CHI MINH CITY
Unlike other brands, we aren't just executioners out here in Vietnam, we give ideas as well. Sometimes they have a new idea in Zurich and we might find a process to make it more efficient and we share that.

What we offer

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On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically - to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose.



On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.
Build the better you

What to expect

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We want to set everyone up for success, so here's the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street - bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.



Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things.



Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine - it creates that 'Wow' moment.