Lead - Footwear Developer - PAD + Young Movers

On seeks a Lead Footwear Developer in Zürich to drive technical innovation for its PAD and Young Movers lines, bridging high-performance design with Swiss engineering standards.

This individual contributor role sits at the intersection of creative design and disciplined engineering. The successful candidate will lead the technical development for the company's fastest-growing product verticals, specifically the PAD (Lifestyle) and Young Movers (Kids) categories, ensuring that complex concepts are translated into commercially viable, high-quality footwear.

Responsibilities

• Direct the technical creation of new shoe silhouettes for both adult and children's lines, guaranteeing adherence to rigorous standards for performance, look, and fit.
• Collaborate closely with the Design team to transform creative ideas into manufacturable products.
• Adapt adult performance technologies for children's footwear, accounting for specific biomechanical and durability requirements.
• Manage the full development lifecycle, from initial 2D and 3D concepts through tech-packing, prototyping, and final production samples.
• Work with sourcing and tooling specialists to evaluate and integrate new materials, textiles, and manufacturing techniques.
• Conduct and oversee comprehensive fit and wear testing for all age groups, using feedback to enhance comfort and longevity.
• Serve as the main technical liaison between Design, Product Management, Sourcing, and Tier 1 factories to maintain schedule and margin goals.
• Refine construction methods and blueprints to support mass production without compromising the brand's aesthetic quality.

Requirements

• At least seven years of experience in footwear development, with a history of launching complex, performance-oriented lifestyle or athletic products.
• Proven ability to work directly with overseas commercialization centers and manufacturing factories.
• Strong project management skills, capable of navigating long development cycles and taking ownership of independent initiatives.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in the development of children's footwear.

About the company

On is a company that values Swiss Engineering and high-performance design. The organization emphasizes patience, resilience, and a dedicated approach to the complex integration of footwear construction.

• Emphasis on patience and resilience in handling complex footwear construction challenges.
• Commitment to high-performance design principles.
• Valuing Swiss Engineering standards.