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 senior strategic position within the Global Strategic Initiatives team. This role is responsible for the strategic development, elevated decision-making, and end-to-end execution of high-profile, globally impactful initiatives. Acting as the driving force, you will spearhead complex projects within the Real Estate portfolio, making high-stakes decisions under pressure and in ambiguous situations. Beyond execution, you will critically analyze project outcomes to develop standardized playbooks and best practices for future Special Projects, document key learnings, optimize processes, and establish clear frameworks for upcoming projects.
Your Mission
- Execute: Operate within the strategic vision, making elevated decisions and executing Special Projects that push the boundaries of the brand's current capabilities and built environment portfolio.
- Global Collaboration & Alignment: Foster strong collaboration and partnerships by practicing active 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 adhering to On's premium design aesthetic and commitment to quality.
- Develop Global Best Practices: Transform successful new concepts into repeatable typologies ready for regional roll-out and implementation.
- Drive Innovation: Propose comprehensive action plans that embrace calculated risks, ensuring 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 experience in architecture and construction, specifically managing complex projects (retail, workplace, etc.), with direct involvement in design development to construction administration.
- Elevated Decision-Making: Proven ability to make complex, high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, often under pressure and ambiguity.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage their expectations.
- Strategic Global Partnerships: Extensive experience in driving strategic partnerships and providing confident direction, mentorship, and support to cross-functional teams.
- Novel Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify underlying systemic blockers and deliver unique, scalable solutions to new challenges.
- Calculated Risk Management: Proven ability to analyze strategic options, form comprehensive action plans, and manage calculated risks that drive innovation.
- Innovation & Adaptability: Comfortable leading high-profile Special Projects that require exploring new approaches and operating outside established norms.
- Design & Organizational Skills: A strong appreciation for design aesthetic alongside 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 an advantage.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel globally, when needed.
Your Team
The Global Strategic Initiatives team, part of the Real Estate and Development department, operates in a dynamic environment dedicated to maximizing the impact of our real estate portfolio. We focus on operational excellence, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and leading high-profile special projects.
As a key member of this team, you will spearhead the strategy and execution of special projects and initiatives related to On's built environment. Many of these projects will be groundbreaking for the brand, requiring you to leverage your construction management expertise and apply innovative approaches. You will drive strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholder needs, synthesize complex requests, and apply critical thinking to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest design standards. You will also 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. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.