Lead - Footwear Design, Special Projects
Join to apply for the Lead - Footwear Design, Special Projects role at On
Lead - Footwear Design, Special Projects
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Lead - Footwear Design, Special Projects role at On
In short
As the Lead Footwear Designer for Special Projects, you will define the creative direction and execution of ON’s most innovative and high-profile footwear initiatives. This role focuses on shaping ON’s limited-edition collections, strategic collaborations, and experimental concepts—balancing bold creativity with performance-driven design.
You will lead a multi-disciplinary design process, working closely with development, innovation, product management, and marketing teams. From early concept exploration to final product delivery, you’ll drive impactful storytelling and craft elevated footwear experiences that push boundaries and resonate globally.
Your mission
* Lead the design direction and creative development of ON’s Special Projects footwear collections
* Translate cultural insights, market trends, and strategic opportunities into compelling and commercially relevant design concepts
* Guide and mentor a team of designers, ensuring consistent quality and creative alignment across all Special Projects initiatives
* Drive collaboration with cross-functional teams—including Product Management, Innovation, Development, and Marketing—to bring concepts to life
* Own the design process end-to-end, delivering sketches, 2D/3D CADs, specs, and prototypes that meet ON’s performance and design standards
* Partner with internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators and factories, to ensure smooth execution from design to production
* Stay ahead of global design, lifestyle, and performance trends, translating insights into fresh and future-ready product stories
* Represent the Special Projects design in key meetings, retail visits, and industry events to inform creative strategy and elevate brand presence
Your story
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial/Product Design, or a related field
* 6+ years of experience in footwear design, including leading projects within special projects, collaborations, or advanced concepts
* A strong portfolio demonstrating innovative and strategic design work across lifestyle and/or performance footwear
* Proven ability to lead projects across multiple timelines while balancing creative vision with technical feasibility
* Strong communication and presentation skills; confident in sharing and defending design direction across diverse teams
* Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design/rendering tools (e.g., Rhino, KeyShot, Blender)
* Entrepreneurial, team-oriented, and driven by curiosity and experimentation
* Fluent in English, written and spoken; additional languages are a plus
What We Offer
On is a place centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, 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 fair and inclusive work environment, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.
#J-18808-Ljbffr