Senior Lead - Development Manager / Senior Lead - Development Manageress, Special Projects

At a Glance

We are seeking a Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of On’s Global Real Estate + Development team from our Headquarters in Zurich.

The Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects is a dynamic and strategic position within the Global Strategic Initiatives team. This role is responsible for the development, decision-making, and execution of high-profile, globally impactful initiatives. You will spearhead complex projects within the Real Estate portfolio, taking high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, often in pressures and ambiguous situations. Beyond execution, this role involves critically analyzing project outcomes to develop standardized playbooks and best practices for future Special Projects, documenting key learnings, optimizing processes, and establishing clear frameworks for upcoming projects.

Your Mission

• Execute within the strategic vision: Lead Special Projects by exploring new territories and embracing initiatives that challenge the brand's current capabilities and built environment portfolio.
• Global Collaboration & Alignment: Foster strong collaboration and partnerships by actively listening, respecting company objectives, and motivating cross-functional teams towards unified outcomes.
• Project Management: Utilize construction management expertise to ensure all special projects are delivered on time and within budget, while aligning with On's premium design aesthetic and commitment to quality.
• Develop Global Best Practices: Transform successful concepts into repeatable typologies for regional roll-out and implementation.
• Drive Innovation and Competitive Advantage: Embrace calculated risk and propose comprehensive action plans, ensuring that every project maintains the highest standards of quality and attention to detail.
• Shape the Future of the On Community: Your work will have a broader impact on the company's environment and culture.

Your Story (What You Bring)

• Project Experience (10+ Years): Proven background in architecture and construction, with direct involvement in managing complex projects including retail and workplace environments.
• Elevated Decision-Making: Demonstrated comfort in making complex, high-stakes decisions with implications for the entire brand, often under pressure and uncertainty.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage expectations.
• Strategic Global Partnerships: Extensive experience in driving strategic partnerships, offering confident direction, mentorship, and support to cross-functional teams.
• Novel Problem-Solving: Ability to identify systemic blockers and deliver unique, scalable solutions to new-to-brand challenges.
• Calculated Risk Management: Expertise in analyzing strategic options, creating actionable plans, and successfully managing risks that foster innovation.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Experience leading high-profile Special Projects that require exploration of new approaches and operation outside established norms.
• Design & Organizational Skills: Strong appreciation for design aesthetic coupled with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous records.
• Language: Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in an additional language is a plus.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel globally as required.

Your Team

As a part of the Real Estate and Development team, the newly formed Global Strategic Initiatives team operates in a dynamic environment focused on optimizing our real estate portfolio. We strive for operational excellence, cultivate strong stakeholder relationships, and lead high-profile special projects.

In this key role, you will drive the strategy and execution of special projects and initiatives related to On's built environment. Many of these projects will break new ground for the brand, and you will leverage your construction management expertise to apply innovative approaches. You will facilitate strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholders, synthesize complex requests, and employ critical thinking to ensure timely and budget-friendly project delivery while maintaining the highest design standards. You will also champion the development and implementation of best practices in project management.

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