Intern - Color & Material Design

On; Zürich; On-site; CHF 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

On is offering a six-month internship in its Color & Material Design (CMD) team in Zurich. You will work closely with mentors and regional stakeholders across Europe, supporting color and material development for footwear categories.

The role emphasizes ownership, structured execution, and strong English communication. On provides a fully paid, immersive internship and opportunities to contribute to global product narratives.

Qualifications

• Ownership mindset and growth mindset; proactive and entrepreneurial.
• Structured, organized execution with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear verbal and written English communication across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own design deliverables end-to-end from concept to milestone execution.
• Create color CADs, material maps and specifications for development.
• Develop mood boards and seasonal color palettes to elevate product narratives.
• Produce high-quality 2D/3D visuals using Adobe Creative Suite and AI tools.
• Maintain physical swatch libraries and digital documentation with accuracy.

Skills

Ownership mindset

Structured execution

Effective communication

Education

CMD/Color & Material Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

AI visualization tools

Job description

In ShortWhether you aim to launch your career or gain practical experience in a new domain, interning at On offers exceptional growth opportunities, immediate impact, and a direct contribution to our global expansion. We seek inquisitive minds and energetic individuals ready to drive meaningful change. Our six-month internship programs fully integrate you within a dedicated team environment.

• Program length: 6 months
• Requirements: Valid work authorization for Switzerland (or EU/EFTA citizenship)
• Compensation: Fully paid internship position
• Eligibility note: Meeting these basic criteria (start date, program length availability, work authorization) is essential for consideration. Please ensure complete accuracy in your responses, as our talent team deeply values transparency.
• Application period: Due to the expected high volume of applications, the role will be open for a limited time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

In ShortWhether you aim to launch your career or gain practical experience in a new domain, interning at On offers exceptional growth opportunities, immediate impact, and a direct contribution to our global expansion. We seek inquisitive minds and energetic individuals ready to drive meaningful change. Our six-month internship programs fully integrate you within a dedicated team environment.

Program Details

• Start date: March 1st
• Program length: 6 months
• Requirements: Valid work authorization for Switzerland (or EU/EFTA citizenship)
• Compensation: Fully paid internship position
• Eligibility note: Meeting these basic criteria (start date, program length availability, work authorization) is essential for consideration. Please ensure complete accuracy in your responses, as our talent team deeply values transparency.
• Application period: Due to the expected high volume of applications, the role will be open for a limited time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We recommend watching the recording of our careerfairy livestream for our previous cohort in September to hear former interns share their internship experience, get an insider’s look at different departments and pick up some tips and tricks from our recruiters to help you ace the application process!

Your Mission

Global Core Expectations

• End-to-End Project Ownership: Take direct accountability for assigned operational workflows and sub-projects, driving tasks from initial onboarding through to measurable business impact over your 6-month tenure.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with mentors, cross‑functional peers, and regional stakeholders across EMEA to align on shared milestones and execute business priorities.
• Process Optimization & Standards: Assist with daily team operations, streamline routines, and optimize internal documentation to maintain premium execution standards.
• Strategic Deliverables & Insights: Present project learnings, campaign outcomes, or analytical findings to team leadership using structured storytelling and clear data insights.

Role-Specific Deliverables

• Support the Color & Material Design team across multiple footwear categories, dynamically flexing across different performance and lifestyle verticals according to seasonal needs.
• Take full ownership of assigned design projects, driving them end‑to‑end from initial concept and mood boarding through to final milestone deliverables.
• Create accurate, detailed color CADs, material maps, and specification packages to guide development and sampling.
• Assist in developing mood boards, trend research decks, and seasonal color palettes that elevate On’s product narratives.
• Produce high‑quality 2D/3D visual and digital assets by leveraging the Adobe Creative Suite, 3D visualization software, and AI design tools.
• Manage day‑to‑day material and color library operations, physical swatch organization, and digital documentation with rigorous attention to detail.
• Translate conceptual color and material stories into clear, impactful presentation decks for key internal design reviews and cross‑functional milestone meetings.
• Lead a self‑directed, mutually agreed‑upon personal design project, exploring an end‑to‑end footwear Color & Material concept from creative research to final execution.

Your Story

Global Core Qualifications

• Ownership & Growth Mindset: Highly self‑motivated with a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset; comfortable taking initiative, navigating ambiguity, and driving solutions independently across a 6‑month commitment.
• Structured Execution & Organization: Exceptionally organized and detail‑oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on structured processes.
• Effective Communication & Authentic Connection: Clear verbal and written communication skills in English, with confidence to interact, share updates, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across levels.

Role-Specific Requirements & Nice-to-Haves

• Educational background or degree/certification in Color & Material Design (CMD), Textile Design, Fashion Design, Industrial/Product Design, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• A trained eye for color harmony, surface textures, finishes, and tactile material qualities, combined with an understanding of global culture, fashion, and performance sportswear trends.
• Solid working proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); familiarity with AI visualization tools is a strong plus.
• Highly adaptable and curious, excited to work cross‑functionally across multiple product verticals rather than being confined to a single silo.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain physical swatch libraries, track lab dips/samples, and curate clear palette specifications.
• Passion for human movement, performance footwear/apparel, and circular/sustainable material innovation.

Your Team

The Footwear Color & Material Design (CMD) team defines the aesthetic, tactile, and visual identity of On’s footwear across both performance and lifestyle categories. We turn seasonal narratives, material innovation, and color theory into tangible product expressions—translating abstract concepts into technical CADs, material maps, and sample‑ready specifications.

Our team fosters an environment where continuous learning, mutual trust, and holistic well‑being are championed. We believe in empowering every team member—including our interns—to take full ownership of their projects, challenge the status quo, and build their best work.

What We Offer

Ready to gear up and move with us? You’ll hit the ground running with an onboarding voucher and exclusive On product store credits to gear up in the latest apparel, accessories, and footwear. Because being off is just as important as being on so we cultivate a space where you can rest, recharge and thrive holistically. You will be supported through full access to mental wellbeing counselling and coaching via Kyan Health as well as dedicated internship learning sessions and workshops to supercharge your growth. We also make sure you’re fully protected and supported for the future with comprehensive accident, disability, and income protection coverage.

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. Start contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

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