Senior Lead - Footwear Development (Managerial level)

On; Cowbridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading sports company as a Footwear Development Senior Lead, where you'll drive footwear innovation from concept to production. Lead cross-functional teams, manage development processes, and provide expert guidance to enhance performance and sustainability in footwear creation.

Benefits

Supportive team-oriented environment

Access to personal self-care initiatives

Commitment to a fair and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• 7+ years of footwear development experience, providing solution-driven guidance.
• Requires people management experience.
• Proficient in tooling processes and pattern engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of seasonal projects with footwear sourcing partners.
• Monitor key performance metrics and ensure on-time delivery.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams in Asia and Zurich.

Skills

Footwear development experience

People management

Innovation

Problem solving

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Organization skills

Education

7+ years of footwear development experience

Tools

2D/3D CAD and CAM

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

This is your opportunity to become part of the world's fastest growing sports company. As a Footwear Development Senior Lead, you will lead the developer team to drive the footwear development process smoothly from concept to production. You will also work cross-functionally with multi-national product creation teams to support the development process between Zurich, Asia, and factories.

Your Mission

1. Lead development of seasonal projects on site with On's footwear sourcing partner(s), monitor Key Performance Metrics, and facilitate our partners to build strong and sustainable performances in all areas of the development cycle.
2. Proactively guide the team to recommend construction, costing, and process solutions regarding all technical blueprints (bottom/upper), upper patterns, and materials to optimize performance, manufacturability, and aesthetics.
3. Lead innovation and problem solving for footwear commercialization, ensuring on-time delivery according to seasonal calendars.
4. Proficiently solve development or production issues, understanding upstream and downstream effects.
5. Maintain in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, learn new techniques, and apply them to products.
6. Lead meetings with cross-functional teams to review, evaluate issues, and drive action plans, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
7. Communicate effectively with teams in Asia and Zurich regarding construction, cost, and aesthetics issues and solutions.
8. Ensure products are manufacturable and meet cost, quality, fit, feel, and ride expectations.
9. Coach and encourage team members to engage in research, networking, and experimentation to inform project direction.
10. Develop strong relationships with internal and external partners for effective problem solving.
11. Stay updated on footwear trends, manufacturing processes, and techniques.
12. Work with management to standardize the development process, deliver training, and share best practices across teams and factories.
13. Manage factory development capacity to support On's volume growth, mitigate risks, and address bottlenecks.

Your Story

• 7+ years of footwear development experience, with expertise in multiple categories or specialized in a specific category, providing solution-driven guidance.
• People management experience is required.
• Knowledge of industry tooling processes, including 2D/3D CAD and CAM; proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is a plus.
• Good knowledge of pattern engineering, tooling processes, and mold making.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English; Chinese or Vietnamese skills are a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; highly detail-oriented.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to anticipate how decisions affect customers, partners, products, and operations, demonstrating the ability to 'connect the dots.'
• Demonstrates innovation and initiative, always seeking to improve products and processes, and willing to engage in detailed work and support wherever needed.

Meet The Team

We are responsible for creating innovative products for On, aiming to meet the needs and demands of runners.

What We Offer

On is centered around growth and progress, providing an environment that supports holistic development—encouraging activity, learning, exploration, and innovation. Our approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with access to personal self-care for physical and mental well-being. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a fair and inclusive work environment.