Join On’s Footwear Innovation team as the Director of Innovation Management, where you will lead a dynamic group of technology-affine business developers and technical project managers. Your mission will be to amplify the impact of product innovation by strategically managing the innovation portfolio, process, and long-term vision. This role focuses on leading the Innovation Management team, driving active visioning and strategy creation, and ensuring that our innovation initiatives—from Big Bets to our iconic technology franchises—are translated into impactful realities for On

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Innovation Management, including active visioning and strategy creation, aligning with On's overarching business objectives
• Lead and mentor the Innovation Management team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in innovation processes and strategic portfolio alignment
• Act as the primary link between Innovation and the rest of the company to ensure strategic cohesion
• Ensure Innovation initiatives are strategically aligned with On's overall goals and priorities
• Oversee the management of the Innovation Portfolio, including prioritization, resource allocation, and progress tracking
• Serve as the PMO for Big Bet Innovation projects, ensuring high-impact initiatives are executed with excellence
• Lead the continuous improvement and operational excellence of the end-to-end innovation process
• Develop and implement frameworks and tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation activities
• Manage specific tech brand franchises and oversee the technology roll-out for key innovations such as Superfoam, CloudTec®, and New Propulsion Tech
• Ensure the successful identification and evaluation of new technologies and materials that provide a competitive advantage
• Oversee the strategic technology roadmap, ensuring workstreams are prioritized based on strategic alignment and potential impact
• Collaborate with all technical teams to ensure a smooth horizontal transition of innovations into the product organization
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with all teams in the product organization to ensure alignment and effective collaboration on innovation initiatives
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels regarding the innovation portfolio, processes, and technology roadmap
• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization

Your story

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related field
• Proven track record of leadership for +10 years in an innovation management or product strategy function, preferably within the sportswear or a similar consumer-facing industry
• Strong foundational understanding of technologies and material science to effectively evaluate innovation potential and manage tech franchises
• Deep understanding of innovation processes, portfolio management, and operational excellence principles
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams and drive strategic visioning
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• A strong interest in sports, technology, sustainability, and innovation

The Innovation team is responsible for On’s future products, out-of-the-box thinking and athlete-informed technology that differentiates On’s products in the market to become the most premium global sportswear brand, built on performance, design and impact. Within the Innovation team, you will lead two highly motivated and skilled teams: Innovation Management and Technology Management. The Innovation Management team focuses on the strategic alignment of innovation initiatives, the effective management of our innovation portfolio, and the continuous improvement of our innovation processes. The Technology Management team is responsible for the successful scaling, implementation, and continuous evolution of our key technologies, ensuring that strategic technology initiatives are driven forward effectively. Together, these teams are crucial in translating bold ideas into impactful realities for On

Just by the banks of the Limmat you’ll find our largest global hub in Zürich West – On Labs – where you can hike up 12 floors through our custom-built spiral trail

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
• 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

Ready to dig into the details?This second interview will be held with your future manager and will focus on the specifics of the job. Together you’ll delve into your unique skills and experiences and how they could be relevant at On. It's also a time to assess how you might feel working side-by-side. Bring any questions you have about the job, the team or anything else you might like to know – this is an open forum