In short

Join On's Innovation team as the Director of Sports Science & Engineering, leading a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers. You will drive cutting-edge advancements in sports performance by merging deep scientific understanding with advanced engineering principles. This role encompasses directing Sports Science, focusing on athlete-focused physiological and biomechanical research, and Sports Engineering, centered on developing revolutionary bottom unit systems through CAE and emerging technologies. You'll be pivotal in translating scientific insights into groundbreaking product innovations, pushing the boundaries of athletic performance.

Your Mission

As a visionary Director of Sports Science & Engineering to lead our interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers within the Innovation department. This role is crucial in driving the scientific foundation and engineering execution behind our next generation of performance footwear. You will be responsible for defining and executing the strategic vision for both Sports Science and Sports Engineering, ensuring seamless collaboration and integration to deliver groundbreaking product innovations.

Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Sports Science and Sports Engineering, aligning with On's overall innovation goals.
  • Lead and mentor two distinct teams: Sports Science and Sports Engineering, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence guided by our spirits.

Sports Science Leadership:

  • Direct and oversee research programs in physiology and biomechanics, leveraging academic collaborations and advanced scientific testing. Generate actionable athlete-focused insights that inform product development and innovation.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with leading academic institutions and research partners.
  • Oversee the collection and analysis of athlete performance data, translating findings into product requirements.

Sports Engineering Leadership:

  • Lead the conceptualization and development of novel bottom unit systems for various sports applications.
  • Drive the integration of scientific insights, functional know-how, and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) into the product development process.
  • Explore and implement emerging technologies and materials in novel concepts to enhance product performance.
  • Democratize CAE by improving workflows and making it accessible to the wider product organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate closely with the full product organization and marketing to ensure seamless integration of scientific and engineering insights into product development and storytelling.
  • Communicate complex scientific and engineering concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization.
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

  • Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Proven track record of leadership for +10 years in a sports science and/or engineering environment, preferably within the sportswear industry.
  • Extensive experience in physiological and biomechanical research, with a strong understanding of athlete performance.
  • Strong understanding of CAE, material science, and product development processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire interdisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Passion for sports and a deep understanding of athletic performance.
  • Experience with data analysis tools and software.
  • Experience in managing external research and collaboration projects.
Three On colleagues eating lunch together

About the Team

The Innovation team is responsible for On’s future products, out-of-the-box thinking and athlete-informed technology that differentiates On’s products in the market. Within the Innovation team you will lead the Sports Science and Engineering team which is focused on research, advanced product evaluation, computer aided engineering and concept engineering around our performance footwear. You will have the opportunity to be part of an agile and interdisciplinary department of engineers, scientists and designers. We foster a fast-paced environment with direct decision making and the freedom to design projects and processes.

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A woman displaying a shoe to a man
A woman displaying a shoe to a man

Explorer

Explorer

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Exploration – it’s literally our day job. We dive into the ideas of tomorrow head-first and see what we surface with. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don’t. But it’s always a rush when we discover something new.

Learn about out Spirits
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Dina

Sports Science Lead, Zurich

We touch every product that's being made because we bring the connection to the human being. So while everyone's excited about products, materials and colors, we go and say, “okay, so what does this actually do for the human?”
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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.

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.