About Swiss Engineering
Swiss Engineering is characterized by a focus on intent rather than excess. In this role, you will lead the development of a future-ready footwear materials portfolio that prioritizes performance, durability, and responsibility. Our goal is to support innovation and sustainable growth without compromise.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as the Head of Footwear Materials. In this leadership role, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of our footwear by driving performance, innovation, quality, and sustainability across our entire product range. This position presents a unique opportunity to leverage your deep expertise in materials science, implementation, manufacturing, market insight, scalable operations, and supply chain leadership to create exceptional materials systems that will fortify our brand's foundation.
Your Mission
- Leadership and Strategy:
- Develop and execute the strategic vision for footwear materials, ensuring alignment with the overall brand and sourcing strategy.
- Lead and 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 ensure effective integration of materials in footwear products.
- Material Development and Innovation:
- Stay updated on material science, emerging technologies, and market trends to identify and develop innovative materials that meet performance and sustainability requirements.
- Conduct research and collaborate with external partners to explore new material opportunities.
- Build, maintain, and refresh global footwear materials and embellishments toolboxes in partnership with key functional partners.
- Oversee all material developments from concept to commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.
- Supplier Management and Collaboration:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers, ensuring a reliable supply chain from development through to production.
- Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation, performance, quality, and sustainability goals.
- Evaluate and take action on supplier performance and portfolio in coordination with the Head of Material Sourcing.
- Quality Assurance and Testing:
- Establish and enforce rigorous material testing and quality control protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Work closely with quality assurance teams to address material-related issues and implement corrective actions.
- Stay informed about industry regulations and standards related to footwear materials to ensure compliance and guide the brand's sustainability efforts.
- Sustainability and Circular Economy:
- Drive sustainability initiatives by identifying eco-friendly materials and processes along with waste reduction practices.
- Collaborate with sustainability teams to set goals, track progress, and report on the brand's sustainability performance in relation to footwear materials.
- Engage with stakeholders and industry organizations to contribute to sustainability efforts within the industry.
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 in crafting bespoke, premium material solutions that prioritize performance engineering.
- Demonstrated experience leading strategic change within fast-growing organizations.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire cross-functional teams.
- Experience developing expertise in material and footwear manufacturing environments.
- Adaptable and capable of navigating complex, rapidly changing environments.
- A collaborative leader who values teamwork.
- Experience driving sustainability initiatives in footwear materials.
- Passionate about innovation and improving performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Strong understanding of material testing standards and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with a knack for relationship-building with stakeholders and leadership.
- Strong project management skills with a history of delivering projects on time and within budget.
- A genuine passion for sport, with a keen eye for market trends and consumer needs.
Join Our Team
The Footwear Materials team forms the backbone of every product we create. Our work involves exploring, engineering, and validating various materials that enhance footwear performance—whether for runners, hikers, or everyday athletes. We blend curiosity with discipline, rigorously researching and testing ideas to ensure that only the most proven solutions reach the market.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.