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 and Development team from our Headquarters in Zurich. This dynamic and senior strategic position within the Global Strategic Initiatives team is responsible for the strategic development, elevated decision-making, and end-to-end execution of high-profile, globally impactful initiatives. You will act as the driving force behind complex projects within the Real Estate portfolio, making high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications while adeptly navigating pressure and ambiguity. In addition to execution, you will critically analyze project outcomes to create standardized playbooks and best practices for future Special Projects, effectively documenting key learnings, optimizing processes, and establishing clear frameworks for subsequent projects.
Your Mission
- Strategic Execution: Operate within the strategic vision of Special Projects by exploring new territory and engaging in initiatives that stretch the brand's current capabilities.
- Global Collaboration & Alignment: Foster strong collaboration and partnerships through active listening, respecting company objectives, and motivating cross-functional teams towards unified outcomes.
- Project Management: Utilize expertise in construction management to ensure all special projects are delivered on time and within budget, while maintaining On's premium design aesthetic and commitment to quality.
- Best Practices Development: Develop global best practices from these special projects, transforming successful new concepts into repeatable typologies ready for regional roll-out and implementation.
- Innovation & Competitive Advantage: Embrace calculated risks and propose comprehensive action plans, ensuring every project achieves the highest standards of quality and attention to detail.
- Community Impact: Contribute to shaping the broader impact of the company's environment and culture.
Your Story (What You Bring)
- Project Experience (10+ Years): Proven experience in architecture and construction, specifically managing complex projects (retail, workplace, etc.), with direct involvement in both design development and construction administration.
- Elevated Decision-Making: Comfort in making complex, high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, even under pressure and ambiguity.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage expectations.
- Strategic Global Partnerships: Extensive experience in driving strategic partnerships while providing direction, mentorship, and support to cross-functional teams.
- Novel Problem-Solving: Ability to identify foundational blockers and deliver unique, scalable solutions to new challenges.
- Calculated Risk Management: Proficient in analyzing strategic options, creating comprehensive action plans, and successfully managing calculated risks that foster innovation.
- Innovation & Adaptability: Experience leading high-profile Special Projects that require exploring new approaches and operating beyond established norms.
- Design & Organizational Skills: Strong appreciation for design aesthetics, coupled with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous records.
- Language: Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills; fluency in another language is a plus.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel globally as needed.
Your Team
Within the Real Estate and Development team, the newly formed Global Strategic Initiatives team offers a dynamic environment focused on maximizing the impact of our real estate portfolio. We drive operational excellence, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and lead high-profile special projects.
As a key member of this team, you will spearhead the strategy and execution of special projects related to On's built environment. Many of these initiatives will be groundbreaking for the brand, requiring you to leverage your construction management expertise and apply innovative approaches. You will orchestrate strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholder needs, synthesize complex requests, and use critical thinking to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest design standards. Additionally, you will champion the development and implementation of best practices in project management.
Join us and help shape the architecture, behavior, culture, and future of the On community. With an exciting pipeline of ambitious and innovative projects, we're seeking a high-performing individual to join our team. Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.