Head Of Apparel Materials Development / Head Of Apparel Materials Development

In Short

As the Head of Materials Development for Performance in Apparel, you will be a key driver of material excellence for our diverse apparel within our lifestyle product ranges. Your expertise will directly influence apparel design, aesthetics, and product quality. You will inspire cross-functional teams with a strategic vision, championing ambitious, sustainable solutions aligned with ON Running’s brand identity. This role requires a proactive and entrepreneurial developer who thrives on challenges and is passionate about material aesthetics, premium quality, and authentic sustainability. You will report to the Senior Director of Material and collaborate closely with Apparel Design, Product Management, and Development Leads.

Your Mission

• Guide, Curate, and Develop a Premium Material Palette: Ensure that the development material selection enhances the garment's fit, trims, and finishes, aligning with our design and performance identity as the world’s most premium sports brand.
• Manage Concept Stage through Commercialization Handoff: Oversee material development from the initial design brief to product commercialization handoff, ensuring clear communication with suppliers throughout the process.
• Drive Sustainability & Implement Innovation: Collaborate with the Head of Apparel Materials, and our innovation and sustainability teams to integrate new preferred materials and commercially viable innovations into our inline product. Identify and onboard new material partners and liaise with global sourcing to establish a robust supplier network.
• Financial Acumen: Manage upfront material prices and lead times with suppliers, ensuring alignment with project goals and business objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a key partner to all product creation stakeholders, including Design, Product Management, Development, Testing, and Sales.

Your Story

• Experience: You have 10+ years of global experience in apparel, material development, or a related industry, with a strong focus on performance apparel products. You can identify materials that enhance athlete experience and promote ON's mission of “Feel nothing to feel everything.”
• Technical Expertise: You possess extensive knowledge of materials and trim, including natural and synthetic fiber types, wovens, knits, performance finishes, insulation, and print techniques. You have developed directional material franchises with global suppliers.
• Strategic Vision: You have a strong eye for product aesthetics, a deep awareness of industry trends, and the ability to think strategically regarding ON Running's market positioning.
• Communication: You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with internal and external partners globally and presenting complex information effectively. You can deliver dynamic visual material stories understood by Design and Product Marketing.
• Organizational Skills: You are highly detail-oriented and skilled in project management, adept at balancing creative direction with organization in a fast-paced environment.
• Global Exposure: Experience with global material sourcing and development, including travel to key manufacturing hubs, trade fairs, and global sourcing offices, is essential.

About the Team

We are responsible for creating innovative products for ON. Our vital responsibility is to meet the needs and demands of our runners and new customers. We research, design, develop, and test numerous ideas, both scientifically and aesthetically. Only products that pass our rigorous testing standards ever reach the market.

What We Offer

ON is a place centered around growth and progress. We provide an environment designed to equip individuals with the tools to develop holistically—staying active, learning, exploring, and innovating. Our unique approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, ensuring that each person is driven by purpose.

Application Information

Apply online using the form below. 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, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.