Senior Lead - Footwear Materials / Senior Leadess - Footwear Materials

On AG - March 13, 2026

About the Job

Join Our Dynamic Sportswear Brand and Shape the Future of Performance Footwear

Are you looking to be part of a team that's redefining footwear materials in an industry ripe for innovation? We’re seeking a passionate Materials Leader to lead our Inline Materials Team.

As our Materials Lead PAD (Lifestyle) Footwear, you'll transform footwear dreams into reality, pushing the boundaries of materials to new heights. Setting and accomplishing short-to-medium-term goals while aligning your work with our long-term vision, you will be at the forefront of executing our global materials strategy across various verticals, including Performance All Day, Special Projects, and Collaborations. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead groundbreaking developments and lead a team of specialists toward building the future of footwear materials. You’ll collaborate closely with the Head of Materials and maintain synergy with the Design, Development, and Product Management teams.

Your Mission

  • Material Mastery: Source phenomenal materials that inspire product creation while ensuring adherence to our timelines, sourcing policies, and sustainability goals.
  • Team Leadership and Collaboration: Guide and nurture the Footwear Material Specialists through collaboration, trust, and mentorship to foster growth and excellence.
  • Sustainability and Performance Goals: Align material-specific targets with our sustainability roadmap and seize opportunities to enhance material performance and efficiency.
  • Data Analytics and Process Optimization: Leverage data analytics to enhance material selection and supply chain processes, optimizing workflows for increased efficiency.
  • Innovation and Research: Stay ahead by researching business trends and attending trade shows, integrating new ideas into product innovations.
  • Material Library Management: Develop and enhance our material library and tools while fostering strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
  • Quality Assurance and Improvement: Ensure all materials pass stringent QA tests and implement material improvements based on your expertise.
  • Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with material suppliers and external vendors while collaborating across various teams.

Your Story

  • Educational Foundations: A Bachelor’s Degree in Footwear Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology, or a related field from a globally recognized university.
  • Professional/Industry Experience: At least 7 years of global experience in Performance Footwear material development, including vital Asia supplier/factory involvement.
  • Team Leadership: Proven track record of at least 3 years in leading and mentoring teams.
  • Driving Innovation: History of leading innovation through performance materials with a comprehensive understanding of industry best practices.
  • Global Perspective: Extensive travel experience to T1s and material suppliers for sourcing and development.
  • Project Management Excellence: Strong background in managing projects from creative inception to production.
  • Design and Technology Affinity: Deep knowledge of footwear design and technology in the technical performance category.
  • Detail Orientation and Presentation Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and ability to present effective strategies.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Superior communication skills in both verbal and written English.
  • Creativity and Discipline Balance: Unique ability to blend creativity with organization in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ability to navigate change effectively with an entrepreneurial mindset.

What We Offer

At On, we focus on growth and progress. Our environment is designed to equip individuals with the tools to develop holistically—ensuring people stay active, learn, explore, and innovate. We provide a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere along with emphasis on personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, leading each person with purpose.

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

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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