Senior Lead - Footwear Testing

On seeks a Senior Lead for Footwear Testing in Zürich to validate running products and manage a specialist team, ensuring quality through scientific rigor and consumer insights.

This position serves as the primary authority for footwear validation within the Running category, bridging the gap between development and market launch. The role ensures that all products meet high quality standards by acting as the voice of the athlete and consumer, utilizing both scientific methods and real-world feedback to guide product excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of Specialists, encouraging professional growth and refining established workflows.
• Act as the main liaison for internal Run category stakeholders, offering strategic guidance on testing initiatives.
• Partner with key departments to determine testing needs based on product briefs and consumer targets, managing projects from start to finish.
• Design and implement comprehensive testing strategies covering durability, fit, comfort, and performance for complex programs.
• Oversee qualitative and quantitative evaluations, including perception studies and real-world validation, to align products with athlete needs.
• Establish partnerships that combine consumer insights, scientific knowledge, and performance data into standardized evaluation processes.
• Convert intricate testing data into clear, actionable reports that support confident decision-making across the organization.
• Align testing schedules with the fast-paced Product Creation calendar to ensure efficiency.
• Grow a diverse network of testers to support project timelines and strengthen community ties.
• Utilize testing systems and databases to maintain high data integrity and accuracy.
• Participate in achieving team objectives and contributing to process enhancements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in footwear testing or a closely related field within the industry.
• Demonstrated leadership background with a focus on building high-performing teams.
• Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration through advisory and partnership.
• Strong communication skills and confidence in engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• A detail-oriented, creative, and solution-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness to adjust working hours when project demands require it.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to adapt to internal database tools.
• Expertise in analyzing complex data sets and applying advanced analysis methods.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

What the company offers

• A supportive environment focused on holistic personal development, encouraging active lifestyles, learning, and innovation.
• Access to resources supporting physical and mental well-being.

About the company

On fosters a culture centered on continuous growth and progress. The company combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with purpose-driven leadership to create an engaging workplace.

• Focus on individual and collective growth.
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment.
• Leadership driven by clear purpose.