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 for Lifestyle Footwear, you're turning footwear dreams into reality by pushing the boundaries of materials to new heights. You will set and achieve short-to-medium-term goals while aligning your work with our long-term vision. In this pivotal role, you will execute our global materials strategy across various verticals such as Performance All Day, Special Projects, and Collaborations. You’ll spearhead groundbreaking developments and lead a team of specialists, working closely with the Head of Materials while maintaining synergy with Design, Development, and Product Management teams.
Your Mission
- Material Mastery: Source exceptional materials that inspire product creation, ensuring alignment with our timelines, sourcing policies, and sustainability goals, with a strong focus on performance, technology, and innovation.
- Team Leadership and Collaboration: Guide and nurture the Footwear Material Specialists through collaboration, trust, and mentorship to foster growth and excellence while building our talent pipeline for the future.
- Sustainability and Performance Goals: Align material-specific targets with our sustainability roadmap while identifying opportunities to enhance material performance, sustainability, and efficiency across all product categories.
- Data Analytics and Process Optimization: Leverage data analytics to enhance material selection and supply chain processes, continuously evaluating workflows to increase efficiency and improve material quality.
- Innovation and Research: Stay ahead of business trends by researching, attending trade shows, and scouting new technologies for seamless integration into product innovations.
- Material Library Management: Develop and enhance our material library and tools, focusing on strategic partnerships with key suppliers while maintaining agility for short lead times.
- Quality Assurance and Improvement: Ensure all materials pass stringent QA tests, using your deep knowledge of yarns and polymers to advise on and implement material improvements.
- Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with material suppliers and external vendors, while collaborating with various teams to align material goals with overall product objectives.
Your Story
- Educational Foundations: A Bachelor’s Degree in Footwear Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology, or a related field from a recognized university.
- Professional/Industry Experience: A minimum of 7 years of global experience in Performance Footwear material development, including significant experience with Asia suppliers and factories.
- Team Leadership: Proven track record of at least 3 years in leading and mentoring teams.
- Driving Innovation: Ability to lead innovation through performance materials with strategic thinking and execution capabilities.
- Global Perspective: Extensive global travel experience for sourcing and development with T1s and material suppliers.
- Project Management Excellence: Strong background in managing projects from creative inception to production.
- Design and Technology Affinity: Deep appreciation of footwear design and technology, particularly within the technical performance category.
- Detail Orientation and Presentation Skills: Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to present effective strategies and ideas.
- Communication and Collaboration: Superior communication skills in both verbal and written English to enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Creativity and Discipline Balance: Unique ability to blend creativity with organization and discipline, thriving in a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Capacity to navigate change effectively with an entrepreneurial mindset when facing challenges.
What We Offer
On is a place centered around growth and progress. We provide an environment designed to equip our team with the tools to develop holistically – encouraging activity, learning, exploration, and innovation. Our unique approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with opportunities for personal self-care, fostering both physical and mental well-being, so each individual is led by purpose.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, ensuring all recruitment, advancement, and retention decisions are free from discrimination.