Lead - Apparel Developer Zürich, ZH, CH Flexible Location Posted 6 hours ago

ON.com LLC; Zürich; Híbrido; CHF 120.000 - 180.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

On seeks a Senior Apparel Developer to turn bold ideas into high-performance, premium apparel. You will lead multi-layered styles, ensure fit and design intent, and mentor junior developers while coordinating with Design, Sourcing, and Manufacturing across locations.

You will shape construction methods, materials, testing standards, and partner with vendors and global teams to deliver technically robust, commercially viable products for global markets and flagship stores.

Formación

• 8+ years of apparel development experience in lifestyle and performance products.
• Mentor or manage junior talent across teams.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and PLM tools for technical documentation.
• Deep understanding of garment construction, materials, fit, and testing standards.

Responsabilidades

• Lead the development of complex, premium apparel styles across seasonal collections.
• Drive consistency of construction methods, materials, fit standards, and performance principles across categories.
• Mentor junior and mid-level developers to upskill in construction techniques and testing standards.
• Translate design concepts into robust Tech Packs and collaborate with Design, Sourcing, and Manufacturing partners.

Conocimientos

Mentoring

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Problem solving

Garment construction

Herramientas

Adobe Illustrator

PLM tools

Descripción del empleo

## Lead - Apparel DeveloperZurichApply NowUse AI to find out how well you match with this jobJob ID: JR26101350Date posted: 10/21/2026Function: Apparel & Accessories Creation## **In short**As a Senior Apparel Developer at On, you transform bold creative ideas into technically, high-performance, and commercially viable products. You will act as a key problem solver across the product creation process, by driving the development of our styles ensuring that every product meets On’s high standards for fit, premium function, innovation, quality and design intent. Building on deep product expertise and strong cross-functional collaboration, you’ll mentor junior developers to upskill in construction, materials and performance standards. You’ll support team leads in managing workflows and ensure consistency, quality, and execution across the range.With deep expertise in fit engineering, costing, and commercialization, you’ll work closely with Design, Product Management, Sourcing, technical design and Materials teams to balance creative ambition with business goals.## **Your Mission*** Lead the development of complex, multi-layered, or fashion apparel styles, with a strong emphasis on premiumness, within seasonal collections and special projects, ensuring excellence in function, quality, performance, durability, fit and design execution.* Act as a key driver of consistency across the range, aligning construction methods, materials, fit standards, and performance principles across categories and seasons.* Support Development Leads in driving team operations, including calendar management, workload balancing, product allocation and cross-functional alignment, to ensure effective and timely product creation.* Partner closely with Design, Pattern Engineering, Tech Designers, Materials, Innovation, and Vendors to build creative and technically executable solutions across diverse product categories.* Provide technical direction and mentorship to Junior and Mid-Level Developers, with a clear focus on upskilling junior talent in development, including construction techniques, material selection, performance requirements, and testing standards.* Resolve complex technical challenges through advanced construction methods, material innovation, ensuring fit and design integrity is maintained throughout development.* Proactively identify and address process inefficiencies within the team: help implement tools, templates, or workflows that support scalable and consistent development.* Facilitate and support fit sessions with a high level of technical authority, clear rationale, and deep understanding of On’s design and quality.* Act as a key point of contact for high-stakes or high-visibility projects requiring senior technical oversight, creative problem-solving, and calm navigation of ambiguity.* Collaborate closely with global manufacturing partners and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure premium execution, technical accuracy, and on-time readiness.* Translate design concepts into robust Tech Packs using PLM tools, providing precise and scalable construction solutions with a strong premium standard lens.* Support cost engineering initiatives by guiding design and development decisions that meet both performance standards and commercial goals, without compromising quality or function.* Maintain expert-level knowledge of materials, construction, and sustainability requirements, and actively share that knowledge across teams.* Proactively contribute to risk mitigation and problem solving seasonal development challenges related to materials, construction, cost and fit.* Strong understanding of best-in-class fit practices and standards, with the ability to effectively problem-solve and collaborate with peers.* Champion a solution-focused, collaborative team culture by modeling On’s values and promoting open, constructive communication, especially in challenging or high-pressure moments.* Stay ahead of industry innovations and emerging technologies in performance and lifestyle apparel bringing that knowledge into the development pipeline.## **Your Story*** 8+ years of experience in apparel development in different lifestyle and performance-led products; experience in mentoring or managing others is a strong plus.* Demonstrated expertise in lifestyle and performance product categories* Proven ability to mentor and develop junior talent* Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence and support teammates across functions, seniority levels, and locations.* Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, PLM tools, and technical documentation.* Deep understanding of garment construction, performance materials, fit, confident leading high-level technical discussions with both internal teams and suppliers.* Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.* Experience navigating and resolving interpersonal or team challenges with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.* Passion for innovation and performance-driven design, with a track record of delivering technically robust and commercially viable solutions.* Proven success in costing, margin management, and product commercialization.* Willingness to travel globally to support development and production needs as required.## **Your team**We are a collaborative, creative, and science-driven development team working closely to convert cutting-edge ideas into viable prototypes and eventually commercialising them into exceptional performance products sold globally at premium sport retailers, in our global flagship stores, and in our DTC channel. High quality, aesthetically pleasing, and truly functional attributes are top of mind when creating our two season apparel collections and multiple fashion collaborations. Our cross-functional teams combine the best experts in fields such as Development, Design, Materials, Innovation, Sourcing, Testing, and Product Management/Merchandising to create truly extraordinary sportswear products.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 date contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.