In short

This is your opportunity to join one of the world’s fastest growing sports companies.

As the Head of Apparel Product Integrity, you are responsible for ensuring that On’s product meets and exceeds consumers expectations in terms of quality, construction, workmanship, and functional requirements.

As a key member of the globally integrated apparel organisation and cross-functional R&D team, you will be based in Zurich, Switzerland.

The Head of Apparel Product Integrity, alongside the Head of Apparel Development, co-represents Product Development within the Apparel Product Creation pod that includes Design, Product Management, Development,Testing, and Sourcing. It delivers on the long term apparel creation strategy while being committed to our athletes and consumers in launching game changing product and material innovation.

Working closely with the Director of Apparel Creation we build technically skillful and cohesive teams that apply their diverse abilities and perspectives to achieve common goals, driving inclusive performance management, rewards, and recognition.

Your Mission

  • Co-create with the Director of Apparel Creation, the long term Product Integrity vision and strategy (construction, workmanship, quality, functionality) that addresses product risk assessment (warranty claims, limitations) and mitigation for end use and scalability without compromising on brand vision, product function, and design & fit intent

  • Establish and maintain the apparel product quality guideline and standards (SOP), assurance, and compliance for On’s Apparel range that improves customer experience across product categories and ensures On’s cutting edge and industry leading position in the market

  • Partner closely with the Head of Apparel Development, Head of Material Development, and Head of Testing to ensure all products meet our On quality and garment testing standards from concept to buy-readiness stage (seasonal development)

  • Identify critical material quality attributes and limitations based on design intent and end use

  • Evaluate tech-packs for the right construction details to gain efficiency in both development and production

  • Drive pre-cost and cost engineering efforts for margin & IMU optimisation, volume cost advantages, and possible category and franchise expansion

  • Implement an efficient process of prototype evaluation and improvements between our global supplier base in conjunction with Zurich Development, Testing, and Asia Sourcing Office (ASO) Production teams

  • Collaborate with Zurich Procurement & Quality and Vietnam Quality teams to monitor and evaluate apparel warranty claims, product return feedback for continuous improvement and increased customer satisfaction

Team & System Building:

  • Mentor, nurture, and inspire the Apparel Development team by building a diverse and technically skilled talent pipeline; empowering and enabling through coaching, career development, and creating an environment of belonging and well-being

  • Provide functional leadership and support to cross-functional partners (Material Development, Testing, Design, Product Management, Merchandising, Sourcing) in areas related to product quality, durability, garment construction, engineering/costing, product commercialisation, and sustainability

  • Build strong and impactful business relationships with existing and new global suppliers when it comes to functional product quality standards, technical readiness & expertise, and product innovation & co-creation

Group of girls smiling
  • Man and woman sat at desks talking
  • Open planned office with men and women sat on a a large curved sofa
  • Group of runners talking outside the office
  • A team of people sat on the steps with a view of mountains outside the office.
  • Two women smiling at each other in a meeting room with large curved windows
  • A group of people sat around a table looking at large design papers
  • 3 men sat around with laptops smiling at each other
  • a large group of runners holding an On flag smiling at the camera
  • Man and woman sat at desks talking
  • Open planned office with men and women sat on a a large curved sofa
  • Group of runners talking outside the office
  • A team of people sat on the steps with a view of mountains outside the office.
  • Two women smiling at each other in a meeting room with large curved windows
  • A group of people sat around a table looking at large design papers
  • 3 men sat around with laptops smiling at each other
  • a large group of runners holding an On flag smiling at the camera
  • Man and woman sat at desks talking
  • Open planned office with men and women sat on a a large curved sofa
  • Group of runners talking outside the office
  • A team of people sat on the steps with a view of mountains outside the office.
  • Two women smiling at each other in a meeting room with large curved windows
  • A group of people sat around a table looking at large design papers
  • 3 men sat around with laptops smiling at each other
  • a large group of runners holding an On flag smiling at the camera

Your story

  • Minimum 10 - 15 years’ experience in apparel technical or product development, garment manufacturing, etc. working with a wide array of product categories (including but not limited to knits, engineered knits, wovens, intimates, seamless, hybrids, outerwear, etc.) and global manufacturing supplier base

  • Expert level knowledge in product development and manufacturing - construction, materials, product creation life cycle, costing, and product review meetings & fit sessions; digital product creation a bonus

  • Vast experience working with Design, Innovation, and Product Development teams on new apparel concepts, functional problem solving solutions, and garment wear testing

  • Strong interpersonal skills & good relationship management with global suppliers

  • An entrepreneurial, curious, and open mindset, an eagerness for differentiation, and an inherent push for excellence

  • Able to balance creativity with organisation and discipline in a fast-paced environment

  • Minimum 10 - 15 years’ experience leading teams with demonstrated leadership capability, including strong track record in developing diverse talent within a dynamic work environment

  • Highly cultivated verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives

Three On colleagues eating lunch together

About the Team

We are focused, solutions-oriented, and able to take action upon imminent challenges. We establish and follow processes, but are also continuously confronting the status quo and the "industry standard.”

We are engineers that steer pinnacle sportswear design ideas into functional reality. We are able to convert innovative concepts and prototypes into commercialised products with stringent quality and engineering standards, bringing them into the hands of our customers.

Development, product integrity, and quality is a mindset - and every team member is empowered to make decisions with the understanding that failure is part of the learning process.

As an integrated function in the design and development organisation; we are detail-minded problem solvers; guiding and executing apparel development within tight timelines and the highest possible product quality, both on the shelf and in use.

See more
A woman working on apparel & accessory product creation
A woman working on apparel & accessory product creation

Athlete

Athlete

Two women climbing a wide concrete staircase.

Performance is in our DNA. We channel the Athlete mindset to create for anyone who loves to move – precision-first products that deliver on quality, form and function to help our fans push limits and look good doing it.

Learn about our Spirits
A woman focussed on working with fabric on the table in front of her.

Sindy

Apparel Developer

We always look for better decisions, we always listen to people and listen to different colleagues. We listen, we digest, and we find the most suitable one for all the team and everybody benefits. That process makes us really innovative.
Happy women smiling and chatting in the office

What we offer

We offer a dynamic, challenging, and supportive environment that has been ranked as the ‘fastest growing sports company’ of its time.

With offices across the globe and product headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland; we are an international team that is hungry to innovate and build something incredible.

We foster an active and inclusive environment where each individual strives for excellence and can achieve their full potential. This is where your work matters, you are hands-on and your team members are amongst the very best in their respective disciplines and fields.

If you are driven to take On to the next level, curious about the opportunity, and want to be part of our growing team, send us your application, and join the ONiverse!

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.

Build the better you

What to expect

We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.

Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things.

Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine – it creates that 'Wow' moment.