On Lead - Footwear Costing Materials

On; Cowbridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading footwear company is seeking a Footwear Material Manufacturing Expert to guide material cost strategies and production methodologies. The successful candidate will have over 7 years in material manufacturing, focusing on cost management and collaboration. This role will drive the multi-year material cost roadmap and evaluate new technologies to ensure On's competitive edge in the footwear market. Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills are essential for influencing diverse teams effectively.

Benefits

Supportive team atmosphere

Focus on personal growth

Access to self-care programs

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years in material manufacturing or material engineering, with footwear materials preferred.
• Strong technical understanding of foams, textiles, plastics, and advanced materials.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and work across functions.

Responsibilities

• Build and own the 3-5 year material cost roadmap across key categories.
• Provide seasonal material cost guardrails for Materials, Development, and Design.
• Support as material manufacturing experts, deep diving into compounding and technologies.

Skills

Material manufacturing expertise

Technical understanding of EVA and rubber

Analytical skills

Collaboration skills

Job description

We are seeking a hands‑on Footwear Material Manufacturing Expert with deep knowledge of footwear‑relevant materials, processes, and cost drivers. This role requires someone who truly understands how materials are made – from compounding to forming to finishing – and can translate that expertise into long‑range cost strategy for On Running Footwear. As a collaborative partner across Materials, Development, Product Strategy, Innovation, and Production, you will shape our multi‑year material cost roadmap, define seasonal material cost direction, and guide strategic choices across categories.

Your Mission

Material Cost Strategy & Roadmap

• Build and own the 3‑5 year material cost roadmap across key categories (foams, textiles, rubbers, plastics, sustainability materials, etc.).
• Translate manufacturing trends, input‑cost movement, and technology changes into cost‑strategic implications.
• Recommend proactive strategies including material substitution, platforming, sourcing shifts, and volume leverage.

Seasonal Material Cost Direction

• Provide seasonal material cost guardrails for Materials, Development, Design, and Product Strategy from a costing perspective.
• Identify high‑impact materials each season and align cost expectations early.
• Influence material choices through early insights on cost, manufacturability, and future risk.

Material Manufacturing Expertise

• Support as On Running’s material manufacturing experts, able to deep‑dive into EVA & rubber compounding, foam and midsole technologies (traditional, supercritical, injection, etc.), textile knitting/weaving/dyeing processes, plastics molding and recycling flows, adhesives, films, and structural components.
• Evaluate new technologies for cost, scalability, manufacturability, and performance impact.

Cross‑Functional Partnership

• Partner with Materials, Development, Product Strategy, and Innovation to align cost strategy and seasonal direction from a costing perspective.
• Support the internal Costing team with frameworks and insights to guide their supplier price negotiation.
• Build trust‑based relationships with Tier‑2/Tier‑3 suppliers as needed.

Data, Insights & Governance

• Build cost models and material insights to influence cross‑functional decisions.
• Maintain governance on material cost logic and ensure alignment across all product‑creation teams.
• Communicate cost risks, opportunities, and long‑term outlook.

Your Story

• 7‑10+ years in material manufacturing or material engineering – footwear materials strongly preferred.
• Strong technical understanding of EVA, rubber, foams, textiles, plastics, and advanced materials.
• Ability to translate technical material understanding into cost strategy and design guidance.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with cost modeling.
• Excellent collaborator with a team‑oriented, open, positive mindset.
• Able to influence without direct authority and work across functions with clarity and humility.
• Experience in material costing or cost engineering is a strong plus.

Why This Role Matters

You will be the material cost expert guiding On Running’s cost competitiveness for the next few years. You will influence design and development early, and shape material cost frameworks that support smarter decision‑making across Materials, Development, Design, and Product Strategy.

Meet The Team

The Costing team collaborates closely and cross‑functionally with teams from development, materials, finance, production, and supply chain to identify opportunities in increasing company margins.

What We Offer

On is a place 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.