In Short
You will work directly with the Global Head of Footwear Materials to develop and implement the strategy for On’s most crucial initiative: sustainability through footwear materials. This role is vital in achieving our ambitious goals by collaborating with the entire R&D, operations, and broader On 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 to make a real impact.
Meet The Team
Our Footwear Materials team is small but carries significant responsibilities. We implement and execute the sustainability strategy across the company through our footwear materials, helping to shape the future of the organization. Our functions include conducting research, creating strategies, implementing projects, and innovating products and processes through the lens of sustainable materials and footwear. One of the main objectives of the team is to translate strategic material sustainability priorities into reality in collaboration with other departments, emphasizing consistent and effective communication and education on these topics. As the Senior Lead, you will play a crucial role in leading and influencing the current team while fostering effective collaboration across our global footwear creation team.
Your Mission
- Be a proactive self-starter who is 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 materials specific to footwear and the expertise in 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 these developments and identify opportunities to integrate them 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.
- Demonstrate excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills to engage, inspire, and influence diverse audiences at various levels within the organization and externally.
- 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 exceptional project management abilities, prioritizing and managing multiple initiatives concurrently with clear milestones and KPIs that track key environmental and social impacts.
- Promote effective cross-functional collaboration, alignment, and timely achievement of key milestones toward our Impact Progress Report.
- Possess a strong understanding of governance principles, ethics, and compliance.
- Collaborate with and influence other leaders, ensuring they become advocates for this mission throughout the business.
- Adapt quickly between different topics, understanding complex ecosystems and navigating cross-functional collaboration landscapes.
- Serve as a leader by developing the sustainability strategy and engagement team, ensuring timelines and targets are met.
Your Story
- 8+ years of progressive experience within the apparel or footwear industry, facing similar industrial production challenges.
- Educational background in material or environmental science.
- Extensive experience and knowledge across all sustainability topics for product creation, offering a critical perspective.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects across the product creation chain (design, product management, creation, sourcing) with multiple stakeholders.
- Expertise in sourcing or environmental management with strong problem-solving skills.
- Exhibit the Survivor Spirit as a thought leader who challenges the status quo and does not settle for the “industry standard” in sustainability practices.
- Experience leading through influence across functions - a visionary leader with a practical attitude who not only defines and articulates a long-term mission but is also eager to drive execution and collaborate on problem-solving with key internal stakeholders.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.