Head of - Apparel Materials Development (Performance)

On Holding
Zurich
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeFunction: Administration & Executive AssistanceSkills: ["Communication","Collaboration","Project management","Strategic thinking","Attention to detail"]

Lead the development of premium apparel materials for performance products, driving material excellence from concept to commercialization. You will guide cross-functional teams in design, product management, and sourcing to deliver innovative, sustainable materials that elevate fit, aesthetics, and performance across ON Running’s apparel range. Extensive global supplier collaboration and strategic vision are essential to sustain premium quality.

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FursaFursa
On Holding
On Holding
9 months ago

Head of - Apparel Materials Development (Performance)

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Last checked: 17 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Lead the development of premium apparel materials for performance products, driving material excellence from concept to commercialization. You will guide cross-functional teams in design, product management, and sourcing to deliver innovative, sustainable materials that elevate fit, aesthetics, and performance across ON Running’s apparel range. Extensive global supplier collaboration and strategic vision are essential to sustain premium quality.
Location: Zurich
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Administration & Executive Assistance
Seniority: Sr. Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Guide, curate and develop a premium material palette, ensuring material selection enhances fit, trims, and finishes in line with design and performance standards; maintain a pipeline of material concepts for design.
  • •Manage material development from initial design brief to product commercialization handoff, following calendar and ensuring clear communication with suppliers.
  • •Drive sustainability and innovation by integrating new materials and commercially ready innovations; onboard new material partners and liaise with global sourcing to build a robust supplier network.
  • •Manage upfront material price and lead time with suppliers, ensuring alignment with project goals and business objectives.
  • •Act as a key partner to all product creation stakeholders, including Design, Product Management, Development, Testing, and Sales.

Key Requirements

  • •10+ years of global experience in apparel, material development, or a related industry with a strong focus on performance apparel product
  • •Extensive knowledge of materials and trims, natural and synthetic fiber types, wovens, knits, performance finishes, insulation and print techniques; experience with global suppliers
  • •Strong strategic vision for product aesthetics, industry trends, and market positioning
  • •Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with internal and external partners globally and present complex information effectively
  • •Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to balance creative direction with organization in a fast-paced environment
Experience:ApparelMaterial developmentGlobal sourcingSustainabilityPremium quality
Skills:CommunicationCollaborationProject managementStrategic thinkingAttention to detail

Company Brief

On Holding
Designs, manufactures, and sells performance running shoes, apparel, and accessories under the On brand. Combines Swiss engineering and innovation with lifestyle design to serve runners and athletes globally through retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
Industry: Fashion & Apparel
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Revenue: USD 1B+
Growth: Public Company
Valuation: Public Company (Market Cap in USD)
Funding: IPO / Publicly Listed
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
Founded: 2010
Glassdoor
Glassdoor: 4.0
WebsiteLinkedIn