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Senior Lead - Pattern Engineer

Location: Zurich

Two men smile while discussing fabric and sole prototypes on a table in a bright workspace, with orange gloves in the foreground.

Apparel & Accessories Product Creation

In short

We are seeking an internationally seasoned, highly specialized Senior Lead - Pattern Engineer to spearhead the technical lifecycle of our global product lines from concept to production. This strategic leadership role requires an elite mastery of both digital and manual pattern architecture, combined with a proven track record of managing garment engineers while working closely with Design, Technical Design, and suppliers.

The successful candidate will directly lead, manage, and scale our internal team of pattern engineers. This position acts as the definitive global technical authority for pattern engineering - architecting scalable fitting systems, optimizing cross-functional 2D/3D workflows, and driving the professional growth of their direct reports to reduce development timelines and ensure flawless global fit consistency.

Your Mission

Lead, manage, and evaluate a dedicated internal team of Pattern Engineers.
Design and execute internal training on advanced fitting techniques, complex pattern adjustments, and Gerber Accumark instruction.
Manage team workflow distribution and capacity against dynamic seasonal product creation calendars.
Establish global pattern standards and technical production standards relative to fit and quality benchmarks.
Spearhead high-profile franchise updates and complex special projects, translating technical sketches into scalable, production-ready patterns.
Implement and maintain robust systems for fitting processes, digital pattern management, and PLM pipelines to improve sample approval rates.
Lead high-level fit sessions on live models, acting as the ultimate cross-functional expert between Design, Sourcing, and Materials.
Drive the integration of 2D digital pattern making with 3D prototyping software (CLO/Browzwear) to optimize fabric efficiency.

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Your story

Minimum 8-12 years of combined industry experience in patternmaking (preferably development through production) in apparel
Advanced proficiency in manual and digital pattern making.
Strong proficiency in industry-leading software such as Gerber, Lectra, PLM Software, and illustrator 3D Software experience is an asset ( CLO and Browzwear).
Expertise in fit, balance, garment construction, fabric properties, and advanced sewing techniques.
Ability to interpret, refine, and execute technical sketches and spec sheets with precision.
Proficiency in operating industrial sewing machines and assembling complex garment samples.
Problem-Solving & Innovation: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot fit and construction issues while providing creative, production-ready solutions.
Attention to Detail: High accuracy in pattern development, grading, and sample sewing to maintain quality and consistency.
Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work cross-functionally with design, sample-making, and production teams to achieve best-in-class garment execution.
Project & Time Management: Expertise in balancing multiple projects within tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
Strong team leader, player, collaborator and ability to work well cross functionally
Knowledge of product creation calendar and acute ability to work to meet deadlines and deliverables
Self motivated, strong sense of urgency, and passion for product and problem solving
Expertise in technical or performance apparel with an understanding of advanced fabric properties.
Knowledge of draping techniques, grading, and fabric testing methodologies.
Background in lean production principles and efficiency optimization to enhance workflow and reduce waste.

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About the Team

In this role, you will collaborate with the Development, Design, Materials, Sourcing, suppliers, and Product Management teams to translate the product design intent and style vision into a consistent fit, quality, and execution level by leading the team responsible for our product’s technical specifications on fit, sizing, and commercialization requirements.

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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.