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.
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.
Meet 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.
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.
