Senior Lead - Footwear Materials

In short

Join Our Dynamic Sportswear Brand and Shape the Future of Performance Footwear

Are you looking to be part of a team that's redefining footwear materials in an industry ripe for innovation? We’re seeking a passionate Materials Leader to lead an Inline Materials Team.

As our Materials Lead PAD (Lifestyle) Footwear, you're turning footwear dreams into reality. You’ll be pushing the boundaries of materials to new heights, setting and accomplishing short‑to‑medium‑term goals while aligning your work to our long‑term vision. You’ll be at the forefront, executing our global materials strategy across various verticals like Performance All Day, Special Projects, and Collaborations. In this pivotal role, you’ll spearhead groundbreaking developments and lead a team of Specialists in building the future of footwear materials. You’ll collaborate closely with the Head of Materials and maintain synergy with the Design, Development, and Product Management teams.

Your mission

• Material Mastery: Source phenomenal materials that inspire product creation. Ensure materials are created in alignment with timelines, sourcing policies, and sustainability goals, specifically focused on performance and elevated technology.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Guide & nurture Footwear Material Specialists through collaboration, trust, and mentorship, fostering growth, excellence, and building a people pipeline for the future.
• Sustainability and Performance Goals: Align material‑specific targets with our sustainability roadmap, identifying opportunities to enhance material performance, sustainability, and efficiency across all product categories.
• Data Analytics & Process Optimization: Leverage data analytics to enhance material selection and supply chain processes, continuously evaluating and optimizing workflows to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve material quality & sustainability.
• Innovation & Research: Stay ahead by researching business trends, attending trade shows, and scouting new technologies, seamlessly integrating these ideas into product innovations.
• Material Library Management: Develop & enhance our material library & tools, ensuring strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Focus on both inline and special‑project toolboxes with agility in handling short lead times and a sharp view on the digital future of material libraries.
• Quality Assurance & Improvement: Ensure all materials pass stringent QA tests; use deep knowledge of yarns, material structures, and polymers to advise on and implement material improvements; consistently share feedback between T2 suppliers & our Quality team.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, communicative relationships with material suppliers and external vendors, working collaboratively with Design, Product Development, Innovation, and Sustainability teams to align material goals with overall product goals.

Your story

• Educational Foundations: Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) in Footwear Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology, or a related field from a globally recognized university.
• Professional/Industry Experience: At least 7 years of global experience in Performance Footwear material development, including essential Asia supplier/factory involvement.
• Team Leadership: Proven track record of at least 3 years in leading and mentoring teams.
• Driving Innovation: Proven ability to lead innovation through performance materials, with strategic thinking and execution capabilities across cultures.
• Global Perspective: Extensive global travel experience to T1s, material suppliers, and external partners for sourcing and development.
• Project Management Excellence: Robust background in managing projects from creative inception to production, turning visions into reality.
• Design & Technology Affinity: Deep appreciation and understanding of footwear design & technology, especially in the technical performance category; keen eye for aesthetics & trend awareness.
• Detail Orientation & Presentation Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and talent to build, organize, and present effective strategies and presentations.
• Communication & Collaboration: Superior communication skills (verbal & written English) enhancing collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Creativity & Discipline Balance: Ability to blend creativity with organization and discipline, thriving in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adaptability & Entrepreneurial Spirit: Effective navigation of change with an entrepreneurial mindset when facing unexpected challenges.

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.