Lead Footwear Material Designer: Innovation & Sustainability

On; Zürich; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

On seeks a Lead Material Designer to define the long-term material design vision across product categories and lead seasonal briefs with a focus on performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.

You will drive material innovation, guide engineered materials, and mentor a team of Material Designers while collaborating with Footwear Design, Color, and Product Strategy teams to deliver standout, scalable material solutions for Onuture products.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Textile Design, Product Design, or a related field.
• 890+ years of experience in footwear or performance product design, with deep expertise in Material Design.
• Proven track record of leading material direction and delivering innovative, commercially successful products.
• Strong expertise in material construction, manufacturing processes, and performance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect creative vision to business impact.
• Advanced proficiency in design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, PLM); 3D capabilities are a strong plus.
• Deep commitment to sustainability, with experience driving responsible material strategies at scale.
• Strong understanding of competitive landscape, consumer insights, and market dynamics.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus

Responsibilities

• Define and drive long-term material design vision across categories.
• Own and lead seasonal material briefs, ensuring clarity and alignment with targets.
• Establish strong material narratives that elevate product storytelling.
• Lead exploration and integration of new materials, technologies, and finishes.
• Guide development of engineered materials and constructions.
• Oversee material mapping and library strategy for consistency and scalability.
• Partner across Footwear Design, Color, Development, and Product Strategy teams.
• Lead the integration of color and material strategies from concept to execution.
• Present material strategies at senior level and drive alignment.
• Mentor and develop Material Designers and foster high performance.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Translate macro trends into actionable design direction and insights.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments, suppliers, and technologies to keep On at the forefront.
• Oversee inspiration direction for the team.

Skills

Material Design

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Storytelling

Adobe Creative Suite

PLM

Sustainability

Communication

Education

Bachelor9s degree in Textile Design, Product Design, or a related field

Tools

PLM

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

On seeks a Lead Material Designer to define the long-term material design vision across product categories and lead seasonal briefs with a focus on performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.

You will drive material innovation, guide engineered materials, and mentor a team of Material Designers while collaborating with Footwear Design, Color, and Product Strategy teams to deliver standout, scalable material solutions for Onuture products.