Head of Footwear Innovation Development

BoF Careers; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 90’000 - 150’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Footwear Innovation Development to revolutionize performance footwear. This role involves leading ambitious projects, pioneering new technologies, and integrating sustainability into every stage of the innovation process. You'll challenge the status quo, develop an innovation framework, and foster cross-functional collaboration to bring visionary ideas to life. If you're passionate about transforming bold concepts into reality and thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team dedicated to redefining human performance and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Leistungen

Supportive team-oriented atmosphere

Access to personal self-care for physical and mental well-being

Opportunities for growth and development

Qualifikationen

• Expertise in innovation processes and structured methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of footwear manufacturing and product development.

Aufgaben

• Lead innovative footwear projects and challenge conventional design.
• Integrate cutting-edge technologies and ensure sustainability in development.

Kenntnisse

Innovation methodologies

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing knowledge

Leadership skills

Visionary thinking

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

10+ years of experience in product innovation

Jobbeschreibung

At On, we don't just create premium sportswear - we redefine human performance through tailored experiences. Our relentless pursuit of innovation, combined with deep expertise in manufacturing, fuels breakthroughs that push the limits of what's possible. If you thrive on transforming bold ideas into reality, join us in shaping the future of performance footwear.

As the Head of Footwear Innovation Development, you'll spearhead our most ambitious projects, challenging conventions and driving the next evolution of sportswear.

Your Mission

• Challenge the Status Quo: Rethink footwear design from first principles. Why do we create shoes the way we do? Question every assumption to unlock groundbreaking possibilities.
• Pioneer New Technologies: Integrate cutting-edge advancements in materials science, biomechanics, and manufacturing. Engineer footwear that optimizes movement, incorporates performance-enhancing technology, and embraces novel production methods that challenge conventional wisdom while reducing environmental impact.
• Develop an Innovation Framework: Create and implement a structured development framework that shepherds innovative footwear concepts through rigorous testing (performance and quality validation), feasibility assessments, and scalability evaluations before commercialization.
• Lead Moonshot Projects: Drive high-risk, high-reward initiatives that push the boundaries of performance footwear. Collaborate with top researchers, engineers, and industry pioneers to bring visionary ideas from concept to reality, ensuring they are both technically feasible and commercially viable.
• Challenge and Vet Innovations: Encourage and champion cutting-edge ideas that challenge industry norms while rigorously vetting each concept for real-world viability, ensuring that bold innovations can meet safety standards, quality benchmarks, and volume production requirements.
• Drive Sustainable Innovation: Integrate sustainability into every stage of the innovation process, ensuring that new developments in performance footwear contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Champion Agile Innovation: Drive a fast-paced, iterative approach to innovation by fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous refinement.
• Ensure Feasibility and Cost Efficiency: Evaluate manufacturing feasibility and cost efficiency at the earliest stages of development. Work closely with engineering and supply chain partners to adjust designs or materials as needed.
• Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead collaboration across R&D, Design, Strategy, and Supply Chain teams to accelerate innovation, proactively resolving development challenges.
• Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Stay ahead of industry advancements and drive a learning mindset within the team, ensuring ongoing skill development by integrating the latest knowledge, insights, and best practices.
  
  

Your Story

• Innovation Process Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in innovation methodologies and structured processes (e.g., stage-gate development) for evaluating and scaling product concepts.
• Manufacturing & Cost Knowledge: Strong knowledge of footwear manufacturing environment, processes, product development cycles, and cost drivers.
• Visionary & Practical Balance: Proven ability to balance visionary thinking with practical execution, ensuring innovative ideas translate into successful products.
• Exceptional Project Management: Responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and large-scale production.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Excellent leadership and communication skills with a talent for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven Industry Experience: Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in product innovation, development, or engineering - preferably in performance footwear or consumer products.
  
  

Meet The Team

Our mission is to define and create the future of sportswear bringing to life groundbreaking innovations. Acting at the forefront of material science, sport science, and engineering, we develop products that push the boundaries of performance and sustainability, blending in unique aesthetic appeal that embodies On's design DNA.

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.