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Lead - Design Studio Manager (CD, Apparel & Accessories)
Location: Zurich
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In short
We are looking for a highly capable and experienced Design Studio Manager to support the operations, organization, and executive coordination of On’s Creative Direction and Apparel & Accessories Design Studio.
In this role, you will partner closely with the Senior Director of Apparel & Accessories Design (CD) and a senior creative leadership team, ensuring consistent operational clarity, elevated presentation standards, and seamless cross-functional alignment.
Beyond studio operations, you will serve as Executive Assistant to the Creative Director, managing an intense, fast-moving calendar and orchestrating high-level touchpoints with leadership, management, and cross-functional partners across the business.
You are not responsible for managing the design team, but you play a critical role in enabling an environment where a 30-person creative team can deliver with excellence.
Your Mission
Studio Operations & Strategic Support:
- Oversee the daily operations of the Apparel & Accessories design studio ensuring efficient workflows and a highly functional creative environment.
- Build and refine systems, routines, and processes that elevate how the studio works and communicates.
- Support the Creative Director and senior creative leadership team in prioritizing projects, key deliverables, and seasonal milestones.
Executive Partner to the CD:
- Manage a complex, fast-paced calendar for the Creative Director with proactive prioritization, anticipating conflicts and enabling strategic use of time.
- Coordinate all high-level meetings, creative reviews, and leadership touchpoints across Design, Product, Marketing, and Commercial.
- Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and pre-read documentation to ensure the CD is always ready for high-level presentations and discussions.
Presentations & Events:
- Lead the operational setup of presentations, reviews, and leadership sessions—ensuring space, flow, technology, materials, and narrative structure are impeccable.
- Partner with the creative team to build compelling presentation environments for internal reviews, global meetings, or key product milestones.
- Manage logistics for design events, workshops, and leadership gatherings.
Talent Coordination:
- Coordinate with external creatives, freelancers, stylists, photographers, and talent needed for design or presentation purposes.
- Negotiate rates, availability, and scopes of work in alignment with internal guidelines.
- Ensure smooth onboarding and alignment of external partners with studio needs and expectations.
Cross-Functional Communication:
- Act as an operational bridge between the Apparel & Accessories design team and key partners across the organization.
- Maintain consistent communication with Marketing, Commercial, Innovation, and Product teams to align calendars, expectations, and deliverables.
- Flag misalignments early and facilitate clarity around priorities.
Studio Culture & Team Experience:
- Support onboarding and integration of new team members, reinforcing studio rituals and values.
- Help maintain an inspiring, organized, and inclusive studio space.
- Facilitate studio offsites, inspiration sessions, and cultural moments.
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Your story
- 8+ years of experience in studio management, creative operations, or project coordination—ideally within apparel, fashion, sportswear, or a fast-paced creative environment.
- Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives and managing complex, high-volume calendars.
- Proven ability to run and elevate presentation environments and high-impact review sessions.
- Experience negotiating with freelancers, creative talent, or external partners, with strong commercial awareness.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to operate confidently among senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Highly organized, proactive, and able to navigate ambiguity with composure and clarity.
- Passion for creativity, design culture, and building world-class product experiences.
- Fluency in English; German is a plus.
About the Team
You will be part of the highly creative Apparel Design Team based in Zurich. The Apparel Design team is embedded in the Global Design Studio, which is responsible for all of On’s disruptive product designs. It includes Apparel Design, Accessories Design, Design Direction, Footwear Design, and Innovation Design. All designers closely collaborate with Developers, Product Managers and Innovation, coming together and working towards fulfilling On’s purpose of igniting the power of Human spirit through movement.
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.