Head of Footwear Innovation Development

At On, we don't just create premium sportswear - we redefine human performance through tailored experiences. Our relentless pursuit of innovation, combined with deep expertise in manufacturing, fuels breakthroughs that push the limits of what's possible. If you thrive on transforming bold ideas into reality, join us in shaping the future of performance footwear.
As the Head of Footwear Innovation Development, you'll spearhead our most ambitious projects, challenging conventions and driving the next evolution of sportswear.

Your Mission

1. Challenge the Status Quo: Rethink footwear design from first principles. Why do we create shoes the way we do? Question every assumption to unlock groundbreaking possibilities.
2. Pioneer New Technologies: Integrate cutting-edge advancements in materials science, biomechanics, and manufacturing. Engineer footwear that optimizes movement, incorporates performance-enhancing technology, and embraces novel production methods that challenge conventional wisdom while reducing environmental impact.
3. Develop an Innovation Framework: Create and implement a structured development framework that shepherds innovative footwear concepts through rigorous testing (performance and quality validation), feasibility assessments, and scalability evaluations before commercialization.
4. Lead Moonshot Projects: Drive high-risk, high-reward initiatives that push the boundaries of performance footwear. Identify and develop revolutionary concepts that may seem futuristic today but have the potential to redefine the industry.
5. Challenge and Vet Innovations: Encourage and champion cutting-edge ideas that challenge industry norms while rigorously vetting each concept for real-world viability.
6. Drive Sustainable Innovation: Integrate sustainability into every stage of the innovation process, ensuring that new developments contribute to a more sustainable future.
7. Champion Agile Innovation: Drive a fast-paced, iterative approach to innovation by fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous refinement.
8. Ensure Feasibility and Cost Efficiency: Evaluate manufacturing feasibility and cost efficiency at the earliest stages of development.
9. Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead collaboration across R&D, Design, Strategy, and Supply Chain teams to accelerate innovation.
10. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Stay ahead of industry advancements and drive a learning mindset within the team.

1. Innovation Process Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in innovation methodologies and structured processes for evaluating and scaling product concepts.
2. Manufacturing & Cost Knowledge: Strong knowledge of footwear manufacturing environment, processes, product development cycles, and cost drivers.
3. Visionary & Practical Balance: Proven ability to balance visionary thinking with practical execution.
4. Exceptional Project Management: Responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and large-scale production.
5. Leadership & Collaboration: Excellent leadership and communication skills with a talent for cross-functional collaboration.
6. Proven Industry Experience: Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in product innovation, development, or engineering - preferably in performance footwear or consumer products.

Our mission is to define and create the future of sportswear bringing to life groundbreaking innovations. Acting at the forefront of material science, sport science and engineering we develop products that push the boundaries of performance and sustainability.

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.

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.