Senior Lead - Footwear Design, Performance Running — On Running

Full description

In short At On, we believe that design is the ultimate differentiator. It is the bridge between breakthrough sports science and cultural resonance. We are seeking an exceptional creative leader to step into the role of Senior Lead -Footwear Design Performance Running. This is a strategic position at the helm of our core category, responsible for driving the design vision and execution of next-generation performance footwear.

Based in our Zurich studio, you will operate in a future-focused environment. You will guide the full creative lifecycle-transforming athlete insights and biomechanical data into functional, beautifully executed products that redefine the running experience.

Your mission

• Lead Exploration. Direct the end-to-end design process of performance running footwear, ensuring execution from initial concept through to production-ready product.
• Strategic driver: Build and foster a cross-functional network of expert collaborators in innovation, product strategy and engineering to steer the category’s performance and expression to the future.
• Develop Talent: Mentor and elevate the design team, playing a key role in structuring and scaling our creative talent as the category grows.
• Integrate Innovation: Drive the creation of technology-infused, athlete-driven products that seamlessly merge technical performance with a premium design aesthetic.
• Articulate Narratives: Create compelling design stories, visual assets, and prototypes that communicate a clear and intentional direction.
• Collaborate Globally: Partner closely with development, engineering, and advanced innovation teams in Zurich and Vietnam to translate creative concepts into functional realities fitting the markets.
• Anticipate Trends: Identify and leverage emerging material developments, manufacturing processes, and consumer insights to keep our product line ahead of the market.
• Synthesize Data: Deep-dive into biomechanics insights and elite athlete feedback to inform and validate future product directions.
• Influence Strategy: Present concepts clearly to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, helping to shape brand positioning and business strategy.
• Foster Culture: Champion an experimental, curious, and progressive design philosophy across the wider organization.

Your story

• Education & Experience: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field, paired with 8+ years of experience in performance footwear design, specifically within the running or sportswear sectors.
• Proven Impact: A portfolio demonstrating leadership on successful performance products that have achieved both technical validation and commercial resonance.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in 2D and 3D design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Blender, or equivalent). Experience integrating AI-assisted tools into the conceptual workflow is an asset.
• Material Expertise: A strong understanding of performance materials, including engineered composites, advanced knits, and technical textiles.
• Execution & Craft: Exceptional sketching, prototyping, and conceptualization skills, with a refined eye for performance-driven aesthetics.
• Communication & Leadership: An articulate communicator and compelling presenter capable of aligning creative vision with commercial objectives.
• Operational Excellence: Highly organized with a strategic mindset, capable of navigating a fast-paced, multi-season environment while managing complex projects.
• Global Mindset: Collaborative and adaptable within a multicultural matrix organization. Fluency in English is required.

Meet the team You will work in the On Design Studio within an international and vibrant Design team; including Footwear, Colour, Material and Computational Designers who all closely collaborate with footwear developers, product managers, material and innovation specialists, sport scientists & engineers. Together, we are responsible for shaping the future On performance product line up.

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.

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