Director of Innovation Management & Strategy

On; Zürich; On-site; CHF 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth and progress environment

Access to personal self-care

Team-oriented atmosphere

Job summary

A leading sportswear company in Zürich is seeking a Director of Innovation Management to lead their Footwear Innovation team. The successful candidate will manage the innovation portfolio, driving strategic alignment and fostering a collaborative environment. With a strong background in technology and material science, the Director will oversee critical initiatives and ensure operational excellence in all innovation processes. This role offers the chance to shape the future of product innovation at the company, with a focus on impactful strategies and team leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in innovation management or product strategy.
• Strong understanding of technologies and materials to evaluate innovation potential.
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Innovation Management.
• Lead and mentor the Innovation Management team.
• Manage the Innovation Portfolio, prioritizing resource allocation.
• Serve as PMO for major innovation projects and ensure execution excellence.
• Manage cross-functional collaboration with product and technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Innovation Management, or related field

Job description

In short

Join On’s Footwear Innovation team as the Director of Innovation Management, where you will lead a dynamic group of technology‑affine business developers and technical project managers. Your mission will be to amplify the impact of product innovation by strategically managing the innovation portfolio, process, and long‑term vision. This role focuses on leading the Innovation Management team, driving active visioning and strategy creation, and ensuring that our innovation initiatives—from "Big Bets" to our iconic technology franchises—are translated into impactful realities for On.

We are seeking a strategic and results‑oriented Director of Innovation Management to lead a critical function within our Innovation department. This role is pivotal in ensuring our innovation efforts are strategically focused, efficiently executed, and prioritized across the organization. You will lead a team of talented professionals to maximize the impact of innovation at On, utilizing a strong foundational understanding of technology and material science to guide the strategic direction of our portfolio and technology brand franchises.

Your mission

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Innovation Management, including active visioning and strategy creation, aligning with On's overarching business objectives.
• Lead and mentor the Innovation Management team, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in innovation processes and strategic portfolio alignment.
• Act as the primary link between Innovation and the rest of the company to ensure strategic cohesion.

Innovation Management Leadership

• Ensure Innovation initiatives are strategically aligned with On's overall goals and priorities.
• Oversee the management of the Innovation Portfolio, including prioritization, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Serve as the PMO for "Big Bet" Innovation projects, ensuring high‑impact initiatives are executed with excellence.
• Lead the continuous improvement and operational excellence of the end‑to‑end innovation process.
• Develop and implement frameworks and tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation activities.

Strategic Technology Alignment

• Manage specific tech brand franchises and oversee the technology roll‑out for key innovations such as Superfoam, CloudTec®, and New Propulsion Tech.
• Ensure the successful identification and evaluation of new technologies and materials that provide a competitive advantage.
• Oversee the strategic technology roadmap, ensuring workstreams are prioritized based on strategic alignment and potential impact.
• Collaborate with all technical teams to ensure a smooth horizontal transition of innovations into the product organization.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with all teams in the product organization to ensure alignment and effective collaboration on innovation initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels regarding the innovation portfolio, processes, and technology roadmap.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization.

Your story

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leadership for +10 years in an innovation management or product strategy function, preferably within the sportswear or a similar consumer‑facing industry.
• Strong foundational understanding of technologies and material science to effectively evaluate innovation potential and manage tech franchises.
• Deep understanding of innovation processes, portfolio management, and operational excellence principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross‑functional teams and drive strategic visioning.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• A strong interest in sports, technology, sustainability, and innovation.

What We Offer

On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team‑oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self‑care for both physical and mental well‑being, so each person is led by purpose.

On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.