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Head of Material Sourcing- Apparel & Accessories (Global Sourcing)
Location: Hanoi
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In short
The Head of Materials Sourcing is an experienced textile visionary who will lead our Apparel & Accessories Material Supplier base Globally in alignment with the Material team in Zurich. This pivotal role demands a strategic leader who will directly influence the direction of the material Sourcing strategy with in-depth knowledge of Global economic dynamics to build agility and flexibility for On.
As the Head of Material Sourcing, based in Hanoi, Vietnam, you will be the driving force behind our material sourcing strategy, responsible for identifying & onboarding the best-in-class material suppliers globally to support On’s growth targets, which are rooted in technology, sustainability & innovation. With your technical expertise, you will lead continuous improvement projects with strategic suppliers & help them get future-ready for On’s innovation goals.
You will lead a team of highly technical 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 within the Sourcing team—Development & Commercialization and Production Planning & Quality—as well as the extended Apparel & Accessories team in Zurich on supplier growth strategies, regionalization, lead times, cost optimization & quality.
Your Mission
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Oversee, manage, and build the Material Commercialization and Sourcing team structure to suit the current state and future for scalability
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Manage commercialization process for all material types across apparel and accessories in both synthetic and natural fibers
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Manage Counter development & Regional Material Sourcing to realize optimal benefit & agility for getting the product to market
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Understand and ensure quality and durability across all product categories as it relates to material functionality in conjunction with agreed standards
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Manage season calendars & buy ready schedules for on-time product deliveries
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Build a best-in-class Material supplier base for On with the right infrastructure, technical expertise & flexibility for speed to market
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Ensure that material KPIs in terms of Delivery, Quality & sustainability commitments are met and communicated regularly with suppliers for improvement
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Support the material innovation pipeline and work with suppliers to enhance more opportunities to co-create innovative materials
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Guide & influence price negotiations with suppliers on a seasonal basis Constantly challenge the status quo with a mindset to do better in processes & systems for gaining efficiencies
-Ensure we are building and training a best-in-class team and cultivate a culture of curiosity, learning, and development
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Your story
- Bachelor’s Degree in Textile R&D, Engineering and/or technology
-15+ years experience in any material/textile-related field in (apparel) consumer products
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10+ years of leading and developing teams
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Ability and willingness to travel globally for sourcing as well as supplier meetings and reviews
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Good understanding of global economic indicators to drive Regional sourcing strategies
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Extensive experience in Global Material Sourcing & managing multicultural supplier base
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Expertise on material costing and cost engineering
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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
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Analytical mindset for building Material Sourcing Strategies
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Ability to pivot and handle change management at a very fast-paced, high-growth business
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Commitment to Quality
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Experience of running Material Innovation projects shall be an added advantage
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Diplomatic and open mindset with diverse stakeholders as well as superior communication and presentation skills (highly cultivated verbal and written English).
About the Team
The Materials team at On are both creative and technical—we translate design visions into performance materials through technical knowledge and experience, but equally come to the table with newness from outside suppliers when the time is right. As the glue that binds design, development, and product management together - we’re a new team that’s gaining momentum. Materials are getting recognition for how integral they are in product creation, so we need proactive, entrepreneurial people to hit the ground running.
About the Team video
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.
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.