In Short
At On, we don’t just create premium sportswear—we redefine human performance through tailored experiences. Our relentless pursuit of innovation, combined with deep expertise in manufacturing, fuels breakthroughs that push the limits of what’s possible. If you thrive on transforming bold ideas into reality, join us in shaping the future of performance footwear.
Your Role
As the Head of Footwear Innovation Development, you’ll spearhead our most ambitious projects, challenging conventions and driving the next evolution of sportswear.
Meet The Team
Our mission is to define and create the future of sportswear, bringing to life groundbreaking innovations. Acting at the forefront of material science, sports science, and engineering, we develop products that push the boundaries of performance and sustainability, blending unique aesthetic appeal that embodies On’s design DNA.
Your Responsibilities
- Challenge the Status Quo: Rethink footwear design from first principles. Question every assumption to unlock groundbreaking possibilities.
- Pioneer New Technologies: Integrate cutting-edge advancements in materials science, biomechanics, and manufacturing to create footwear that optimizes movement and reduces environmental impact.
- Develop an Innovation Framework: Create and implement a structured development framework that guides footwear concepts through rigorous testing and feasibility assessments before commercialization.
- Lead Moonshot Projects: Drive high-risk initiatives that redefine performance footwear, collaborating with top researchers and engineers to bring visionary ideas to life.
- Challenge and Vet Innovations: Encourage bold ideas while rigorously evaluating their real-world viability and ensuring they meet safety and quality standards.
- Drive Sustainable Innovation: Integrate sustainability into every stage of the innovation process, championing environmentally responsible practices.
- Champion Agile Innovation: Foster a culture of experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous refinement to achieve breakthrough results efficiently.
- Ensure Feasibility and Cost Efficiency: Collaborate with engineering partners to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and adjust designs for cost-effective production.
- Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align objectives and timelines among departments to accelerate innovation from concept to commercialization.
- Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Stay ahead of industry advancements and drive ongoing skill development within the team.
Your Experience
- Innovation Process Expertise: Proven expertise in structured innovation methodologies for evaluating and scaling product concepts.
- Manufacturing & Cost Knowledge: Strong understanding of footwear manufacturing processes and cost drivers to guide concepts to production readiness.
- Visionary & Practical Balance: Ability to dream big and push boundaries while planning for production constraints and quality control.
- Exceptional Project Management: Experience managing timelines effectively and navigating technical hurdles to bring products to market.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with at least 7 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams.
- Proven Industry Experience: A minimum of 9 years in product innovation or engineering, with a track record of bringing new products from concept to market.
If you’re ready to revolutionize performance footwear, combining visionary thinking with hands-on manufacturing expertise, apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
What We Offer
On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically—staying active, learning, exploring, and innovating. Our distinctive 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 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.