Head of Apparel Product Integrity

**In short**:
This is your opportunity to join one of the world’s fastest growing sports companies.

As the Head of Apparel Product Integrity, you are responsible for ensuring that On’s product meets and exceeds consumers expectations in terms of quality, construction, workmanship, and functional requirements.

As a key member of the globally integrated apparel organisation and cross-functional R&D team, you will be based in Zurich, Switzerland.

The Head of Apparel Product Integrity, alongside the Head of Apparel Development, co-represents Product Development within the Apparel Product Creation pod that includes Design, Product Management, Development,Testing, and Sourcing. It delivers on the long term apparel creation strategy while being committed to our athletes and consumers in launching game changing product and material innovation.

**Your Mission**:

- Co-create with the Director of Apparel Creation, the long term Product Integrity vision and strategy (construction, workmanship, quality, functionality) that addresses product risk assessment (warranty claims, limitations) and mitigation for end use and scalability without compromising on brand vision, product function, and design & fit intent
- Establish and maintain the apparel product quality guideline and standards (SOP), assurance, and compliance for On’s Apparel range that improves customer experience across product categories and ensures On’s cutting edge and industry leading position in the market
- Partner closely with the Head of Apparel Development, Head of Material Development, and Head of Testing to ensure all products meet our On quality and garment testing standards from concept to buy-readiness stage (seasonal development)
- Identify critical material quality attributes and limitations based on design intent and end use
- Evaluate tech-packs for the right construction details to gain efficiency in both development and production
- Drive pre-cost and cost engineering efforts for margin & IMU optimisation, volume cost advantages, and possible category and franchise expansion
- Implement an efficient process of prototype evaluation and improvements between our global supplier base in conjunction with Zurich Development, Testing, and Asia Sourcing Office (ASO) Production teams
- Collaborate with Zurich Procurement & Quality and Vietnam Quality teams to monitor and evaluate apparel warranty claims, product return feedback for continuous improvement and increased customer satisfaction

Team & System Building:

- Mentor, nurture, and inspire the Apparel Development team by building a diverse and technically skilled talent pipeline; empowering and enabling through coaching, career development, and creating an environment of belonging and well-being
- Provide functional leadership and support to cross-functional partners (Material Development, Testing, Design, Product Management, Merchandising, Sourcing) in areas related to product quality, durability, garment construction, engineering/costing, product commercialisation, and sustainability
- Build strong and impactful business relationships with existing and new global suppliers when it comes to functional product quality standards, technical readiness & expertise, and product innovation & co-creation

**Your story**:

- Minimum 10 - 15 years’ experience in apparel technical or product development, garment manufacturing, etc. working with a wide array of product categories (including but not limited to knits, engineered knits, wovens, intimates, seamless, hybrids, outerwear, etc.) and global manufacturing supplier base
- Expert level knowledge in product development and manufacturing - construction, materials, product creation life cycle, costing, and product review meetings & fit sessions; digital product creation a bonus
- Vast experience working with Design, Innovation, and Product Development teams on new apparel concepts, functional problem solving solutions, and garment wear testing
- Strong interpersonal skills & good relationship management with global suppliers
- An entrepreneurial, curious, and open mindset, an eagerness for differentiation, and an inherent push for excellence
- Able to balance creativity with organisation and discipline in a fast-paced environment
- Minimum 10 - 15 years’ experience leading teams with demonstrated leadership capability, including strong track record in developing diverse talent within a dynamic work environment
- Highly cultivated verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives

**Your story**:

- Minimum 10 - 15 years’ experience in apparel technical or product development, garment manufacturing, etc. working with a wide array of product categories (including but not limited to knits, engineered knits, wovens, intimates, seamless, hybrids, outerwear, etc.) and global manufacturing supplier base
- Expert level knowledge in product development and manufacturing - construction, materials, pr