Senior Lead - Apparel Materials Developer

Senior Lead - Apparel Materials Developer (Performance)

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In short

As the Senior Lead Materials Development for Performance in Apparel you will drive material excellence for our diverse apparel and lifestyle product ranges. Your expertise will influence apparel design, aesthetics and product quality. You will inspire cross‑functional teams with a strategic vision, championing ambitious, sustainable solutions aligned with ON Running’s brand identity. This role requires a proactive, entrepreneurial developer who thrives on challenges and is passionate about material aesthetics, premium quality and authentic sustainability.

• Guide, curate and develop a premium material palette: select development materials that enhance garment fit, trims and finishes, aligning with our design and performance identity.
• Manage concept stage through commercialization handoff: lead material development from initial brief to product commercialization handoff, following the calendar and ensuring clear communication with suppliers.
• Drive sustainability and innovation: work with the Head of Apparel Materials, innovation and sustainability teams to integrate new preferred materials and commercially ready innovations into products; identify and onboard new material partners and liaise with global sourcing.
• Financial acumen: manage upfront material price and lead time with suppliers, ensuring alignment with project goals and business objectives.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: act as key partner to all product creation stakeholders, including Design, Product Management, Development, Testing and Sales.

• Experience:
  
  10+ years of global experience in apparel, material development or related industry, with a strong focus on performance apparel.
• Technical expertise: extensive knowledge of materials and trim, natural and synthetic fiber types, wovens, knits, performance finishes, insulation and print techniques; developed directional material franchises with global suppliers.
• Strategic vision: strong eye for product aesthetics, deep awareness of industry trends and ability to think and act strategically in relation to ON Running market positioning.
• Communication: excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to collaborate across global partners and present complex information effectively.
• Organizational skills: highly attentive to detail and skilled in project management, balancing creative direction with organization in a fast‑paced environment.
• Global exposure: experience with global material sourcing and development, including travel to key manufacturing hubs, trade fairs and global sourcing offices.

On is a place centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team‑oriented atmosphere with 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.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Retail

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