Lead - Apparel Product Manager, Performance Run
We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Product Manager to join our Apparel Product Strategy team, focusing on the Performance Run segment. This is a pivotal role that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our brand by leading the largest and most technical segment within On’s performance apparel. The ideal candidate will bring 7+ years of specialized experience in performance apparel, combining deep expertise in the product lifecycle with a strong understanding of fabrics, fit, construction, and emerging market trends within the sports apparel industry. You will act as an informal leader for a highly collaborative cross‑functional team, driving both long‑term strategic vision and daily product execution.
Your Mission
Apparel Product Strategy & Vision: Drive the creation and execution of the 3‑5 year global product strategy for Performance Run Apparel, ensuring alignment with consumer and brand goals, market trends, and technical innovation.
Product Briefing & Execution: With a consumer‑first mindset translate high‑level strategic goals into clear, actionable product briefs and solutions for Design and Development, ensuring feasibility, quality, and alignment with brand direction.
Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis: Conduct sophisticated market research and competitive analysis, focusing on performance running innovations and broader fashion/apparel trends. Leverage these insights to create culturally relevant and commercially successful assortments.
Cross‑Functional Leadership Skills: Excellent communicator, collaborator, and mentor who thrives in cross‑functional partnerships, particularly with Design, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing, to bring a unified, consumer‑centered product vision to life. Drive consensus and ensure seamless execution of seasonal product lines and capsule collections.
Strategic, Creative & Operational Balance: Deliver against both the strategic development of seasonal product releases and the day‑to‑day operational excellence of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) work combined with an innovative mindset that facilitates teams to innovate and push the boundaries of creativity.
Fabric & Product Expertise: Serve as a partner to the Material Specialist ensuring fabrication meets the brief and withstands the rigours of commercialization.
Product Data Management: Accurately manage all product data across multiple collections within the PLM system, ensuring timely and meticulous updates in line with dedicated creation calendars. Ability to travel frequently, including internationally.
Your story
7+ Years of Technical Expertise: Proven track record in global product teams, specifically within performance or technical sportswear.
Master of Product Creation: Deep fluency in fabric technology, performance attributes, and construction methods. Experience with high‑technicality lines is highly preferred.
Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to positively influence stakeholders across all functions and levels without formal reporting authority.
Passion for Movement: A personal connection to, and deep understanding of, the running consumer and the culture of performance sport.
Systems & Tools Proficient: Demonstrated advanced proficiency in product systems and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tools.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable navigating fast‑paced, creative environments and managing high‑volume, complex projects.
B.S. in Economics, Business, or a related field strongly preferred.
Fluent in English (written and spoken).
What we offer
On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination. In addition, we offer a supportive, team‑oriented atmosphere with access to personal self‑care for both physical and mental well‑being, enabling each person to work holistically and grow.
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