Head of Materials | Apparel & Accessories

Location: Zurich

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Apparel & Accessories Product Creation

In short

The Head of Materials is an exceptionally experienced textile visionary who will lead our Apparel & Accessories division within the dynamic apparel and accessories space. This pivotal role demands a strategic leader who will directly influence the direction of our design dna as it relates to our material (and trims) language in product. You will possess a profound understanding of cutting-edge material innovations and their application in high-performance activewear.

As the Head of Materials, you will be the driving force behind our material strategy, responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing innovative material solutions that elevate product performance, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. You will lead a talented team of material specialists, fostering an environment of continuous learning, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving. Your leadership will inspire and empower your team to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in textile technology.

A critical aspect of this role is the ability to work seamlessly and strategically across various functions. You will collaborate extensively with our Design team to translate creative visions into tangible material realities, ensuring that chosen materials align with aesthetic goals and brand identity. Working closely with Merchandising, you will ensure material selections meet market demands and consumer expectations. Your partnership with Product Development will be instrumental in integrating new materials into our product lifecycle, from initial concept to final production. Furthermore, you will work hand-in-hand with our Supply Chain functions to optimize sourcing, ensure material quality, and mitigate risks, maintaining a robust and resilient material pipeline.

This role calls for a strategic leader who is not only a visionary in material science but also a pragmatic executor. You will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive material roadmaps that align with the company's long-term business objectives. Your strategic foresight will enable us to anticipate future trends, identify emerging technologies, and position our brand at the forefront of material innovation in the activewear market. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the materials department, driving the development of next-generation activewear and everyday materials that set new industry benchmarks.

Your Mission

Oversee, manage, and build the Material Development and Sourcing team structure to suit the current state and future for scalability
Manage process for all product and material types across apparel and accessories in both synthetic and natural fibers
Understand and ensure quality and durability across all product categories as it relates to material functionality in conjunction with aesthetics
Oversee each collection from design concept handover through delivery by driving and improving our calendar efficiency, spearheading material choices and ensuring detailed communication to our suppliers and cross functional partners are clear and succinct
Prepare and lead material presentations to our Commercial partners to support product presentations
Ensure we are developing materials in line with our sustainability targets and strategy and with cost considerations to meet our business objectives
Build and oversee a material testing process and continuous improvement for manufacturing excellence
Draft, validate, and manage a material development structure to deliver a clear end to end process from design concept through bulk production
Oversee and lead the material innovation pipeline and work with suppliers to enhance more opportunities to co-create innovative materials
Oversee and guide price negotiations in partnership with the sourcing team
Help identify new potential suppliers who can support in our local for local sourcing strategies
Identify new opportunities through fibers content/composition, innovation in product and materials and sustainability as it relates to circularity and upcycling
Ensure we are building and training a best in class team and cultivate a culture of curiosity, learning, and development

Your story

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion, Textile R&D, Engineering and/or technology
15+ years experience in any material/textile related field in (apparel) consumer products
10+ years of leading and developing teams
Ability and willingness to travel globally for sourcing and creation trips as well as supplier meetings and reviews
Experience in product and project management and ability to present to large diverse groups
Expertise on material costing and cost engineering
Technical expertise in textiles as well as creative vision and a can do attitude
Collaborative spirit with diverse stakeholders as well strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
Detail oriented
Ability to pivot and handle change management at a very fast paced high growth business
A deep love for product
Diplomatic and open mindset with diverse stakeholders as well as superior communication and presentation skills (highly cultivated verbal and written English).

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About the Team

We’re responsible for creating innovative products for On. We have a lot of responsibility to try and meet the needs and demands of runners. So we research, design, develop and test lots of ideas scientifically. Only products that pass our rigorous tests ever go to market.

Groups of people sit and chat around wooden tables in a brick-walled communal space with hanging paper lanterns and a wall of microwaves in the background.

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.

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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.