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Senior Lead - Accessories Material Development

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

As the Sr Lead Accessories Material Developer, you are the technical architect and driving force of material excellence for On’s rapidly growing Accessories product range. In this high-skilled Individual Contributor role, you will wield deep technical expertise to influence and shape the product creation landscape, pioneer a material branding strategy, and engineer ambitious, innovative and sustainable solutions. You don’t just execute briefs; you anticipate future market shifts, inspire cross-functional stakeholders, and set the technical benchmark for what is possible in premium performance gear.

Your Mission

Architect and drive the long-term material strategy and innovation pipeline for On Accessories, translating high-level design visions into high-performance, commercially viable realities.
Proactively identify, engineer, and validate next-generation fabrics and trims. Lead advanced material concepts from ideation through complex technical validation to future-proof On’s product offering.
Serve as the strategic technical lead with global suppliers, managing high-level technical communication, ensuring strict adherence to On's elite performance and sustainability standards, and optimising development timelines.
Act as the core technical anchor between Design, Product Development, Quality, and Sourcing to ensure seamless alignment, uncompromised product integrity, and the realisation of ambitious sustainability targets.
Own the integrity of advanced material data within the PLM system, ensuring technical specifications, cost structures, and compliance metrics support scalable commercialisation.
Oversee the technical execution of the seasonal color strategy and lab dip processes. Champion the resolution of complex, critical color and material feasibility topics, including feasibility, escalations, and technical problem-solving, by coordinating between creative and technical stakeholders to find viable solutions.
Serve as the category subject-matter expert, continuously analysing global industry trends, advanced textile technologies, and analogous market innovations to maintain On’s competitive edge.

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Your story

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology from a global university or commensurate industry experience.
10+ years of deep, global hands-on experience in the performance textile industry with Asia & Europe supplier/factory experience.
Comprehensive, expert-level understanding of advanced manufacturing processes for materials and trim, polymer science, weaving/knitting technologies, and specialised trim construction.
A rare blend of sharp product aesthetics with a perspective on how to think and act strategically with the ability to look at a swatch and see the 3-year commercial and sustainability trajectory.
Superior communication and presentation skills (verbal and written in English), with a demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and align diverse, cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex technical challenges autonomously, and maintain rigorous organisational discipline in a fast-paced, premium R&D environment.

Two women in activewear run outdoors, smiling, surrounded by greenery and other runners.

About the Team

We are the incubator for cutting-edge innovation within On Accessories. As a foundational pillar of this newly established, high-velocity R&D team, you will enjoy a high degree of autonomy and ownership. We merge science, design, and elite athleticism to solve real-world problems for runners globally. Here, your technical expertise won't just be utilised - it will shape the future of the brand.

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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.