At a Glance
We are looking for a Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects to contribute to shaping the future of On’s Global Real Estate + Development team from our Headquarters in Zurich. This dynamic and senior strategic role within the Global Strategic Initiatives team is responsible for the strategic development, elevated decision-making, and end-to-end execution of high-profile, globally impactful initiatives.
The Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects acts as the driving force, spearheading complex projects within the Real Estate portfolio. This role requires the ability to make complex, high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, often under pressure and in the face of ambiguity. Beyond execution, this position critically analyzes project outcomes to develop standardized playbooks and best practices for future Special Projects, documenting key learnings, optimizing processes, and establishing clear frameworks for subsequent initiatives.
Your Mission
- Strategic Execution: Drive the strategic vision and execution of Special Projects by pioneering new territories and embracing initiatives that push the boundaries of the brand's current capabilities and built environment portfolio.
- Global Collaboration & Alignment: Foster strong collaboration and partnerships by actively listening, respecting company objectives, and motivating cross-functional teams towards unified outcomes.
- Project Management: Utilize construction management expertise to ensure all special projects are delivered on time and within budget, while upholding On's premium design aesthetic and commitment to quality.
- Best Practices Development: Transform successful new concepts from special projects into repeatable typologies ready for regional roll-out and implementation.
- Innovation and Competitive Advantage: Embrace calculated risk and propose comprehensive action plans, maintaining the highest standard of quality and attention to detail to achieve On's premium design aesthetic.
- Cultural Impact: Shape the future of the On community, understanding that your work has a broader effect on the company's environment and culture.
Your Story (What You Bring)
- Project Experience (10+ Years): Demonstrated experience in architecture and construction, specifically managing complex projects (retail, workplace, etc.), including direct involvement from design development through to construction administration.
- Elevated Decision-Making: Proven ability to make complex, high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, often in high-pressure and ambiguous situations.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills with the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage expectations.
- Strategic Global Partnerships: Extensive experience in driving strategic partnerships and providing confident direction, mentorship, and support to cross-functional teams.
- Novel Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify systemic blockers and deliver innovative, scalable solutions to new-to-brand challenges.
- Calculated Risk Management: Proven ability to analyze strategic options, create comprehensive action plans, and successfully manage calculated risks that encourage innovation.
- Innovation & Adaptability: Comfortable leading high-profile Special Projects that require exploring new approaches and operating outside established norms.
- Design & Organizational Skills: A strong appreciation for design aesthetic combined with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and maintain meticulous records.
- Language: Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills; fluency in another language is an advantage.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel globally when required.
Your Team
Within the Real Estate and Development team, the newly formed Global Strategic Initiatives team provides a dynamic environment focused on maximizing the impact of our real estate portfolio. We drive operational excellence, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and lead high-profile special projects.
As a key member of this team, you will spearhead the strategy and execution of special projects and initiatives related to On's built environment. Many of these projects will be groundbreaking for the brand, requiring you to leverage your construction management expertise and apply innovative approaches. You will navigate strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholder needs, synthesize complex requests, and use critical thinking to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest design standards. In addition, you will champion the development and implementation of best practices in project management.
Join us and help shape the architecture, behavior, culture, and future of the On community. With an exciting pipeline of ambitious and innovative projects, we invite you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.