Senior Lead - Africa Athlete Manager

Location:Nairobi; Zurich

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Athlete Strategy & Partnership

In short

This role plays a pivotal role in shaping On’s athlete strategy across Africa, one of the most important regions in global distance running. As Senior Lead - Africa Athlete Manager, you oversee On’s athlete partnerships in the region from the athlete’s perspective, ensuring that our athletes receive world-class support while building strong, long-term relationships with them and their representatives.

You own the management of our Kenya Training Camp, ensuring it operates as a world-class environment for athlete development while fostering strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and the broader local running ecosystem. You are responsible for identifying and recruiting emerging talent, leading athlete negotiations, and partnering with athletes throughout their journey with On.

You act as a key connection point between athletes and internal cross-functional teams including product development (Footwear, Apparel, Accessories), Marketing (Storytelling, Social, Events), Product Verticals, PR, and regional teams. Your goal is to help our athletes succeed at the highest level of competition while creating compelling athlete and product stories that strengthen On’s presence in global running.

Your Mission

Strong Network in African Distance Running: Established relationships within the African elite running ecosystem, including athletes, coaches, agents, and training groups. Deep understanding of the competitive landscape in key markets such as Kenya and Ethiopia.
Proven Athlete Management Skills: Experience working directly with elite athletes and supporting their professional development. Ability to manage athlete relationships with professionalism, trust, and efficiency.
Strong Judgment & Risk Awareness: Ability to make sound decisions in complex environments while mitigating risks related to doping, athlete safety, compliance, and reputational considerations. High integrity and a strong commitment to protecting both athletes and the brand.
Strategic & Operational Mindset: Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution, particularly in managing athlete programs and training environments.
Collaboration Across Teams: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with global marketing, product, PR, and regional teams. Ability to align athlete priorities with broader brand strategies.
Passion for Distance Running: Deep passion for global distance running and athlete performance. Strong understanding of the culture and dynamics of elite training environments.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel frequently across Africa and globally to support athletes, competitions, and training environments (approximately 15–20 trips annually).

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Your story

Athlete Performance: Tangible improvements in On athlete performances at major global competitions, including podium finishes and top placements at key international road and track events.
Athlete Engagement & Retention High levels of athlete satisfaction with partnership support and strong retention of top athletes within On’s roster. Positive feedback from athletes and representatives regarding the level of support, trust, and professionalism within the partnership.
Talent Identification: Successful recruitment of emerging athletes from key African running markets who develop into world-class performers representing On.
Training Camp Impact: Successful management and development of the Kenya Training Camp, reflected in strong athlete participation, positive athlete feedback, and performance outcomes linked to the training environment.
Athlete Integrity & Risk Management: Effective identification and mitigation of risks related to anti-doping, athlete safety, and partnership integrity, ensuring that athlete relationships consistently align with On’s ethical standards and compliance requirements while protecting both athletes and the brand.

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About the Team

We look after athletes from recruitment to celebrating their achievements and everything in between. Admin or mental and physical health – it’s a holistic approach to support.

Partnering with teams across the business, we give our athletes the tools they need to train, recover and race at their best.

We’re part of their journey every step of the way – our program takes a 360 degree approach, covering everything from wellbeing to life and media skills training.

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Nicola

Athlete Services Manager and former On athlete, Zurich

I’ve been part of On for a long time. As an athlete they took my input seriously, providing way more support than most brands do. Continuing my journey here means I’m part of that – giving back to the athlete community.

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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.