Senior Lead - Accessories Material Development at On in Zürich

Keywords

• Material Development
• Textile Engineering
• Sustainability
• Supplier Management
• PLM
• Performance Textiles

Summary

As a Senior Lead, you will architect the long-term material strategy for On's accessories, driving innovation in sustainable performance fabrics. You will serve as the technical anchor between design, sourcing, and global suppliers.

Job Description

On is seeking a Senior Lead for Accessories Material Development to act as the technical architect for its rapidly growing accessories range. In this high-skilled individual contributor role, you will pioneer a material branding strategy and engineer innovative, sustainable solutions for premium performance gear. You will anticipate market shifts and set the technical benchmark for the brand's future product offerings.

Your tasks

• Architect and drive the long-term material strategy and innovation pipeline for On Accessories.
• Identify, engineer, and validate next-generation fabrics and trims, leading concepts from ideation to technical validation.
• Serve as the strategic technical lead with global suppliers, ensuring adherence to performance and sustainability standards.
• Act as the core technical anchor between Design, Product Development, Quality, and Sourcing teams.
• Own the integrity of advanced material data within the PLM system to support scalable commercialisation.
• Champion the resolution of complex color and material feasibility topics by coordinating between creative and technical stakeholders.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Textile Sciences or Engineering, or commensurate industry experience.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in the performance textile industry with supplier knowledge in Asia and Europe.
• Expert-level understanding of advanced manufacturing processes, polymer science, and textile technologies.
• Superior communication skills in English, with the ability to influence executive stakeholders without direct authority.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and solve complex technical challenges autonomously in a fast-paced R&D environment.

What we offer

On offers an environment centered around growth and progress, providing tools for holistic development. The company combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with access to personal self-care for physical and mental well-being, ensuring each person is led by purpose. On is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a fair and inclusive work environment.