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Specialist - Footwear Materials

Location: Zurich

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In short

As a Specialist- Footwear Materials, you will support the creation and development of performance materials in line with the company vision. The role focuses on material creation, development, and technical execution for lifestyle footwear products. Reporting to the Footwear Materials Team Lead, you will support the execution of the global material strategy, execute projects from concept to production, and collaborate closely with Design, Development, Product Marketing, and Sustainability teams.

You will participate in ensuring material integrity and industrialization, helping transform material concepts into scalable, high-performance solutions. You will contribute to technical specifications, quality standards, and sourcing execution for textiles and components, ensuring all materials meet performance and sustainability benchmarks. Acting as a technical link between global T2 suppliers and T1 product factories, you will support seamless integration from development through to mass production.

Your Mission

  • Support the creation and sourcing of technical, high-performance materials according to design briefs, while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Evaluate and aim for material-specific targets in regards to the On sustainability roadmap as well as identify opportunities for gains in material performance, sustainability and efficiency.
  • Support the material lifecycle, ensuring all materials are tested, approved, and continuously improved through a fundamental understanding of yarns, material structures, and polymers.
  • Build and foster relationships with T2 suppliers and T1 factory teams to support material development, quality, and process improvements.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of the material library and tools for the product creation teams.
  • Collaborate with internal teams (EUR / NAM / ASIA) to ensure alignment and successful execution of material initiatives.
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    Your story

    • Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Textile Engineering or Technology, or a related field.
    • 3+ years of experience in textile material development or industry High attention to detail.
    • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written English) and a collaborative mindset when working with diverse stakeholders.
    • Mid-level autonomy; able to manage day-to-day work with little instruction while seeking guidance on new assignments or strategic direction.
    • Deep curiosity and a growth mindset, motivated to problem-solve in the face of unexpected challenges.
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    About the Team

    The Footwear Materials team develops and delivers the company’s sustainability strategy for footwear materials. The team conducts research, defines material strategies, and supports projects that advance more sustainable materials, products, and processes. The team works closely with cross-functional partners to embed material sustainability priorities into footwear creation, with a strong focus on effective communication and knowledge sharing.

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    Ernest

    Footwear Development, Ho Chi Minh City

    Unlike other brands, we aren't just executioners out here in Vietnam, we give ideas as well. Sometimes they have a new idea in Zurich and we might find a process to make it more efficient and we share that.
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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.