Director of Innovation

In short 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. Your Mission We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Director of Innovation & Technology Management to lead two critical functions within our Innovation department: Innovation Management and Technology Management. This role is pivotal in ensuring our innovation efforts are strategically focused, efficiently executed, and that key innovations are successfully scaled and implemented across the organization. You will lead a team of talented professionals to maximize the impact of innovation at On. Key Responsibilities: 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. Innovation Management Leadership: - 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. Technology Management Leadership: - 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. About the Team 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.