About Us
Swiss Engineering is defined by intent, not excess. We are committed to creating a future-ready footwear materials portfolio that is engineered for performance, durability, and sustainable practices. Our approach supports innovation and long-term growth without compromise.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our brand as the Head of Footwear Materials. In this pivotal role, you will lead the footwear materials team and shape the future of our products by driving performance, innovation, quality, and sustainability across the entire range.
Your Mission
- Leadership and Strategy:
- Develop and execute the strategic vision for footwear materials, aligning it with the overall brand and sourcing strategy.
- Inspire a team of materials specialists while fostering a culture of innovation, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, strategy, development, quality, sustainability, and sourcing, to ensure effective integration of materials in footwear products.
- Material Development and Innovation:
- Stay at the forefront of material science, emerging technologies, and market trends to identify and develop innovative materials that meet performance, durability, and sustainability requirements.
- Conduct research and collaborate with external partners to drive material advancements and identify new opportunities.
- Lead complete oversight of material developments from concept to commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.
- Supplier Management and Collaboration:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers, ensuring a robust and reliable supply chain from development through production.
- Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation, quality, and sustainability goals.
- Regularly evaluate supplier performance and take action to ensure compliance with brand standards.
- Quality Assurance and Testing:
- Establish rigorous material testing and quality control protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Address material-related issues in collaboration with quality assurance teams and implement corrective actions.
- Stay informed about industry regulations related to footwear materials to guide the brand's sustainability efforts.
- Sustainability and Circular Economy:
- Drive sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities for eco-friendly materials and processes.
- Collaborate with sustainability teams to track progress on the brand's sustainability performance related to footwear materials.
- Engage with stakeholders and industry groups to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Your Story
- Proven experience (10+ years) in footwear material development, sourcing, and supply chain management within the sports industry.
- In-depth knowledge of sport and lifestyle footwear materials and manufacturing processes.
- Demonstrated experience leading strategic change within fast-growing organizations.
- Strong leadership capability, with the ability to inspire cross-functional teams.
- Extensive experience in materials and footwear manufacturing environments.
- Highly adaptable and capable of navigating complex and rapidly changing environments.
- Hands-on approach with a willingness to travel as needed.
- A collaborative leader who fosters teamwork and inclusivity.
- Proven experience driving sustainability and circular-economy initiatives.
- A passion for innovation and the ability to scale new materials and processes.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Strong project-management capability with a track record of delivering projects on time.
- A genuine passion for sport and an understanding of market trends.
Meet the Team
The Footwear Materials team is the backbone of every On product. We explore, engineer, and validate all material types that enable performance footwear for runners, hikers, and everyday athletes. Our work combines curiosity with discipline, rigorously testing ideas to ensure that only the most proven and premium solutions make it to market.
Application Process
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.