Join On's Footwear Innovation team as the Director of Innovation & Technology Management, where you will lead a dynamic group of technology-affine business developers, technical project managers, and engineers. Your mission will be to amplify the impact of product innovation by strategically managing the portfolio and process, and by driving the successful implementation and scalability of emerging technologies for footwear (product, material and manufacturing concepts). This role encompasses leading Innovation Management team, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence, and Technology Management team, focusing on the scalable implementation and continuous evolution of key technologies and innovations

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Innovation and Technology Management, aligning with On's overarching business objectives
• Lead and mentor two teams: Innovation Management and Technology Management, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in innovation processes and technology implementation
• 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
• 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
• Drive the successful scaling, implementation, and continuous evolution of On's key technologies
• Ensure the successful identification, evaluation, and scaling up of new, key technologies that provide a competitive advantage
• Oversee the management and maintenance of the technology momentum through clearly defined work streams prioritized based on strategic alignment and potential impact
• Collaborate with all technical teams to ensure smooth technology transfer, integration and adoption across the product organization
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with all teams in the product organization to ensure alignment and effective collaboration on innovation and technology 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 and/or product technology management functions, preferably within the sportswear or a similar consumer facing industry
• Strong understanding of innovation processes, portfolio management, and operational excellence principles
• Experience in driving the implementation and scaling of new technologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams
• 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