Head of Footwear Materials / Head of Footwear Materials

Join Our Team as Head of Footwear Materials

Swiss Engineering is not just about excess, but about intent. We are on the lookout for a highly skilled and experienced professional to lead the creation of a future-ready footwear materials portfolio, engineered for performance, durability, and responsibility. This role is central to supporting innovation and long-term growth without compromise.

Your Mission

• Leadership and Strategy:
  • Develop and execute the strategic vision for footwear materials, ensuring alignment with the overall brand and sourcing strategy.
  • Inspire a team of materials specialists, 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 effectively integrate materials in footwear products.
• Material Development and Innovation:
  • Stay ahead in material science, emerging technologies, and market trends to identify and develop innovative materials that meet performance, durability, and sustainability requirements.
  • Conduct research and partner with external collaborators to explore new material opportunities and drive advancements.
  • Oversee the global footwear materials and embellishments toolboxes in partnership with key functional partners.
  • Manage the complete process of material development from concept to commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.
• Supplier Management and Collaboration:
  • Establish strong relationships with material suppliers, ensuring a robust and reliable supply chain from development through production.
  • Partner closely with suppliers to drive innovation, performance, quality, and sustainability goals.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, address material-related issues, and ensure compliance with brand standards.
  • Regularly evaluate supplier performance and portfolio in collaboration with the Head of Material Sourcing.
• Quality Assurance and Testing:
  • Establish and enforce rigorous material testing and quality control protocols to comply with industry standards and brand requirements.
  • Coordinate closely with quality assurance teams to address material-related issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Stay updated on industry regulations and standards related to footwear materials to ensure compliance and support sustainability efforts.
• Sustainability and Circular Economy:
  • Pioneer sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities for eco-friendly materials and processes, waste reduction, and circular economy practices.
  • Work with sustainability teams to set goals, track progress, and report on sustainability performance concerning footwear materials.
  • Engage with industry stakeholders and sustainability organizations to contribute to industry-wide efforts.

Your Story

• Proven experience (10+ years) in footwear material development, sourcing, and supply chain management within the sports industry.
• Deep knowledge of sport and lifestyle footwear materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience crafting bespoke, premium material solutions, combining performance engineering with the craft expected in high-end lifestyle products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver strategic change within complex, fast-growing organizations.
• A proactive individual with a strong drive to take ownership of execution while remaining aligned to shared goals.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities, able to influence and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Extensive experience in materials and footwear manufacturing environments.
• Highly adaptable, able to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.
• A hands-on approach, with a willingness to travel as needed.
• A collaborative leader who fosters teamwork and values inclusivity.
• Proven track record in driving sustainability initiatives in footwear materials.
• A passion for innovation, capable of identifying and scaling new materials and processes.
• Thorough understanding of material testing standards, quality-control processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills for building strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with a history of delivering projects on time and within budget.
• A genuine passion for sports and a keen insight into market trends, consumer needs, and functional performance requirements.

Meet the Team

The Footwear Materials team is foundational to every product we create. We explore, engineer, and validate all material types that enable performance footwear for runners, hikers, and everyday athletes. Our mission intertwines curiosity with discipline as we research, develop, and rigorously test ideas until only the most proven and premium solutions reach the market.

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