In Short
You will work directly with the Global Head of Footwear Materials to develop and implement the sustainability strategy for On’s most important and overarching topic: footwear materials. This role is pivotal in achieving our ambitious goals by collaborating with our entire R&D, operations, and broader team. The overall scope of the role includes positively impacting all sustainability topics across the Product Organization for Footwear. We are seeking an experienced and proactive sustainability enthusiast ready to make a significant impact.
Meet The Team
We are a small team with big responsibilities. In our Footwear Materials team, we execute the sustainability strategy for the entire company through our footwear materials, helping to shape the future of the organization. Our focus includes:
- Conducting research
- Creating strategies
- Implementing projects
- Innovating products and processes with sustainable materials
One of our main objectives is to drive strategic material sustainability priorities into reality, collaborating with other departments and ensuring effective communication and education around these topics. As the Senior Lead, you will play a crucial role in leading our team and fostering collaboration across our global footwear creation team.
Your Mission
- Be a proactive self-starter passionate about creating change, with a proven track record of leading and implementing sustainability strategies in senior roles (5-10 years of experience).
- Bring in-depth knowledge of footwear materials and a strong understanding of developing strategies, visions, targets, and KPIs for sustainable and inclusive business transformation.
- Stay updated on the latest developments, innovations, and trends within the footwear industry, including circularity, biodegradable materials, renewable energy usage, and new certification standards. Evaluate how these trends can be integrated into our sustainability practices and product offerings.
- Drive the implementation of educational tools and frameworks for the business, delivering them through effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrate exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills to engage and influence diverse audiences at different levels within the organization.
- Contribute to the development and execution of our sustainability strategy, aligning short-term initiatives with long-term goals.
- Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to effectively execute action plans across departments and with external partners.
- Exhibit strong project management abilities, managing multiple initiatives concurrently with clear milestones and KPIs tracking key environmental and social impacts.
- Promote effective cross-functional collaboration, aligning teams to achieve key milestones toward our Impact Progress Report.
- Possess a solid understanding of governance principles, ethics, and compliance.
- Influence other leaders to advocate for sustainability in every part of the business.
- Adapt quickly to different topics and navigate complex ecosystems and cross-functional landscapes.
- Lead the sustainability strategy, ensuring timelines and targets are met.
Your Story
- 8+ years of progressive experience in the apparel or footwear industry, tackling similar production challenges.
- Educational background in material or environmental science.
- Extensive experience across all sustainability topics for product creation, offering a critical perspective.
- Experience in leading cross-functional projects across the product creation chain (design, product management, sourcing), effectively managing multiple stakeholders.
- Expertise in sourcing or environmental management, coupled with strong problem-solving skills.
- Embody the Survivor Spirit, challenging the status quo and seeking innovative sustainability practices.
- Proven ability to lead through influence across functions, combining visionary leadership with a hands-on approach to driving execution and collaboration.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.