Footwear Material Specialist (Senior)

On; Cowbridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing sports company seeks a Footwear Material Specialist to manage material sourcing, focusing on sustainability and performance improvements. This position requires collaboration with multiple teams and a degree in a relevant field, along with strong experience in the footwear industry. The role offers an opportunity to contribute creatively to product material development within an innovative and diverse environment.

Benefits

Supportive team-oriented environment

Commitment to physical and mental well-being

Focus on learning and innovation

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in the global footwear industry or relevant industry within Asia suppliers.
• Strong interest in footwear design and technology, especially technical performance materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end material sourcing according to sourcing strategy.
• Evaluate sustainability targets related to material performance.
• Coordinate with laboratories to ensure materials meet testing standards.

Skills

Collaboration

Adaptability

Technical Performance Materials

Education

Degree in Footwear Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology

Job description

The Footwear Material Specialist (Senior) role is now available at a rapidly growing sports company. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, you will advance performance materials aligned with On’s materiality vision, focusing on development, technical aspects, and production capabilities, supporting both short-term and long-term strategies. Reporting to the Footwear Materials Lead in Asia and collaborating with the Asia Development teams, you will assist the Zurich HQ team in managing footwear materials from development to production.

Your Mission

1. Manage end-to-end material sourcing according to On’s sourcing strategy, including identifying, developing, and managing suppliers and technical support, ensuring compliance with sourcing policies, quality standards, and cost targets.
2. Evaluate and pursue targets related to sustainability, material performance, and efficiency improvements.
3. Support Toolbox initiatives by updating core and seasonal material toolboxes and managing the material libraries at On’s Vietnam locations.
4. Coordinate with laboratories to ensure materials meet testing standards, oversee testing and approval processes, and advise on material improvements based on yarns, structures, and polymers.
5. Build strong relationships with material suppliers and vendors, managing strategic and inline vendors based on profiles.
6. Collaborate with Planning and factories to communicate seasonal material forecasts and coordinate with Design, Product Development, Innovation, and Sustainability teams on sample specifications and delivery.

Your Story

• Degree in Footwear Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in the global footwear industry or relevant industry within Asia suppliers.
• Strong interest in footwear design and technology, especially technical performance materials, with an eye for aesthetics.
• Team player with excellent collaboration skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in English; Mandarin is a plus.

Meet The Team

The Material team at On combines creativity and technical expertise to translate design visions into performance materials. As a new and growing team, we value proactive, entrepreneurial individuals who recognize the importance of materials in product creation.

What We Offer

On fosters growth and progress through a supportive, team-oriented environment that encourages learning, exploration, and innovation. We prioritize physical and mental well-being and are committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplace.