Innovation Footwear Development Lead (Senior)

BoF Careers; Cowbridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary leader to drive innovation in performance footwear. This role involves rethinking design, implementing transformative technologies, and fostering collaboration across global teams. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in sports footwear, a strong technical background, and the ability to inspire a high-performing team. Join a dynamic environment that values creativity and sustainability, where your ideas will redefine the future of footwear. If you're ready to make a significant impact and thrive in an innovation-first culture, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Personal Development Opportunities

Team-Oriented Atmosphere

Access to Self-Care Programs

Dynamic Work Environment

Career Growth Opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years in sports footwear, R&D or related field is essential.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation in footwear design and development.
• Collaborate with global teams to enhance product performance.

Skills

Innovation Leadership

Collaboration

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Technical Expertise in Footwear

Sustainability Practices

Education

Degree in Engineering or Material Science

10+ years in Sports Footwear or R&D

Job description

At On, we don't just follow trends - we create them. Our relentless pursuit of groundbreaking innovation, fueled by bold thinking and deep technical expertise, redefines what's possible in performance footwear. If you are passionate about shaping the future, pushing boundaries, and delivering meaningful advancements that elevate human performance, this is your opportunity to lead the charge.

Your Mission

1. Challenge the Status Quo: Rethink the way footwear is designed, built, and experienced. Push past traditional limitations to unlock truly disruptive solutions.
2. Lead Meaningful Innovation: Develop and implement transformative technologies that enhance performance, comfort, and sustainability in footwear. Scout and integrate new capabilities, materials, and methodologies that redefine the industry's approach to product development.
3. Strengthen Collaboration Across Innovation, Sourcing & Zurich: Work in tight partnership with our innovation teams in Zurich, ensuring seamless alignment on project objectives, priorities, and execution strategies. Enhance communication and problem-solving efforts between Vietnam-based innovation teams, Zurich Lab, and our sourcing team. Ensure that innovation decisions are aligned with sourcing capabilities and supply chain realities to accelerate commercialization and minimize friction. Foster a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams, including sourcing, development, and production partners, work together to overcome challenges and bring cutting-edge products to life. Build a structured communication framework to improve transparency, streamline decision-making, and strengthen end-to-end execution from concept to market.
4. Master the Art of Execution: Oversee the active innovation portfolio - from ideation through development to commercialization. Own the strategy, milestones, and key deliverables for all major innovation developments in Vietnam. Ensure that innovation efforts in Vietnam complement and enhance the initiatives driven from Zurich while maintaining seamless integration with sourcing and manufacturing.
5. Inspire & Elevate a High-Performing Team: Mentor and develop a team of innovators, empowering them to think boldly and execute with precision. Cultivate a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning.
6. Embed Sustainability into Everything: Innovation isn't just about performance - it's about responsibility. Lead initiatives that marry cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, ensuring a positive impact on both athletes and the planet.

Your Story

1. A Visionary Mindset: You see opportunities where others see limitations.
2. Deep Industry Expertise: 10+ years in sports footwear, R&D, or a closely related field.
3. Technical Mastery: A background in engineering, material science, or product development.
4. Global Perspective: Comfortable working across borders, time zones, and disciplines.
5. Entrepreneurial Spirit: The confidence to make bold decisions and the agility to navigate uncertainty.
6. Leadership Excellence: A proven track record of building and inspiring teams to deliver breakthrough results.
7. Influential Communication: The ability to translate complex innovations into compelling narratives that resonate across cultures and functions.
8. Cross-Border Collaboration Experience: Proven ability to work across regions, navigate different work cultures, and align global teams on shared goals.
9. Strategic Partnership with Sourcing & Supply Chain: Understanding of how innovation, sourcing, and manufacturing must work together for successful commercialization.

Meet The Team

1. A Platform for Real Impact: Your ideas won't sit on a shelf - they'll redefine the future of performance footwear.
2. Freedom to Innovate: We empower our teams to take bold risks and challenge conventions.
3. Work with the Best: Collaborate with industry-leading minds and cutting-edge technology.
4. A Truly Global Role: Be at the heart of innovation, working between Vietnam's manufacturing excellence, Zurich's Lab, and our sourcing team to bring the future of footwear to life.
5. Career Growth: Be part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment that nurtures continuous learning and advancement.

If you're driven by curiosity, thrive in an innovation-first culture, and want to create the next generation of performance footwear, apply now and let's shape the future together.

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.