Senior Lead - Distributor Retail Strategy & Operations — On Running
- Location
- Zürich
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 97 days ago
Full description
In Short
Support the development of the fastest-growing global sports brand in scaling our retail footprint to new heights. Are you a strategic thinker with the operational rigor to turn a high-level vision into reality? Do you thrive at the intersection of retail operations, cross-functional alignment, and commercial execution? We are looking for a highly driven Program Manager - Global Distributor-led Store Business to shape how our brand comes to life across our global partner networks. In this role, you will serve as the bridge between global strategy and local market execution, ensuring our distributor-led stores deliver a premium, consistent, and commercially successful customer experience.
Your Mission
- Drive the global Distributor-led (DMS) store strategy based on the Global Retail strategy forward, acting as the central engine from high-level strategic planning to physical, in-store execution
- Partner closely with Global and Regional Retail teams to design and implement scalable operating frameworks that align distributor market operations with our core brand principles.
- Seamlessly create and adapt DTC Retail playbooks for distributor-led stores. You will drive cross-market alignment, fostering a culture of shared learnings and best practices across global partners.
- Standardize global KPIs and reporting. You will consolidate market insights and distributor performance trends into actionable data for global stakeholders, driving informed decision-making on local, regional and global level.
- Take proactive ownership of global retail standards, helping regional teams identify and quickly resolve in-store execution and operational gaps in alignment with cross-functional partners.
Your Story
- You bring 6+ years of professional experience in retail operations, distributor-led (DMS) retail, franchise management, or partner-led business models within a global consumer brand.
- You are highly skilled in project management with a proven track record of designing scalable retail playbooks, operational frameworks, and standardized SOPs that external partners can seamlessly adopt.
- You possess exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills. You can easily collaborate with, influence, and build trust among cross-functional teams, regional leads, and external distributors to drive compliance without relying on formal authority
- You combine a highly structured, analytical mindset with a hands-on approach. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and are just as passionate about resolving in-store execution gaps as you are about designing long-term market expansion strategies.
- Your home base will be Zurich. You are fully proficient in English, both written and spoken, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse cultures.
Your Team
Our Retail team is at the forefront of bringing our brand to life in the physical world. We are a fast-paced, highly collaborative group of creators, strategists, and operators dedicated to delivering premium consumer experiences. As we rapidly scale our global footprint, the Distributor-led (DMS) team plays a critical role in unlocking new markets and ensuring our brand standards are uncompromising, no matter where in the world our consumers find us. We believe in high autonomy, relentless innovation, and succeeding together.
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.
Questions about this listing
What salary does On Running offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Zürich is CHF 117'000 - 180'000 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by On Running. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does On Running offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with On Running during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at On Running?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to On Running's original listing at boards.greenhouse.io, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
