Lead - Design Studio Manager (CD, Apparel & Accessories)
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We are looking for a highly capable and experienced Design Studio Manager to support the operations, organization, and executive coordination of On’s Creative Direction and Apparel & Accessories Design Studio.
In this role, you will partner closely with the Senior Director of Apparel & Accessories Design (CD) and a senior creative leadership team, ensuring consistent operational clarity, elevated presentation standards, and seamless cross-functional alignment.
Beyond studio operations, you will serve as Executive Assistant to the Creative Director, managing an intense, fast-moving calendar and orchestrating high-level touchpoints with leadership, management, and cross-functional partners across the business.
You are not responsible for managing the design team, but you play a critical role in enabling an environment where a 30-person creative team can deliver with excellence.
Your mission
Studio Operations & Strategic Support
* Oversee the daily operations of the Apparel & Accessories design studio ensuring efficient workflows and a highly functional creative environment.
* Build and refine systems, routines, and processes that elevate how the studio works and communicates.
* Support the Creative Director and senior creative leadership team in prioritizing projects, key deliverables, and seasonal milestones.
Executive Partner To The CD
* Manage a complex, fast-paced calendar for the Creative Director with proactive prioritization, anticipating conflicts and enabling strategic use of time.
* Coordinate all high-level meetings, creative reviews, and leadership touchpoints across Design, Product, Marketing, and Commercial.
* Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and pre-read documentation to ensure the CD is always ready for high-level presentations and discussions.
Presentations & Events
* Lead the operational setup of presentations, reviews, and leadership sessions—ensuring space, flow, technology, materials, and narrative structure are impeccable.
* Partner with the creative team to build compelling presentation environments for internal reviews, global meetings, or key product milestones.
* Manage logistics for design events, workshops, and leadership gatherings.
Talent Coordination
* Coordinate with external creatives, freelancers, stylists, photographers, and talent needed for design or presentation purposes.
* Negotiate rates, availability, and scopes of work in alignment with internal guidelines.
* Ensure smooth onboarding and alignment of external partners with studio needs and expectations.
Cross-Functional Communication
* Act as an operational bridge between the Apparel & Accessories design team and key partners across the organization.
* Maintain consistent communication with Marketing, Commercial, Innovation, and Product teams to align calendars, expectations, and deliverables.
* Flag misalignments early and facilitate clarity around priorities.
Studio Culture & Team Experience
* Support onboarding and integration of new team members, reinforcing studio rituals and values.
* Help maintain an inspiring, organized, and inclusive studio space.
* Facilitate studio offsites, inspiration sessions, and cultural moments.
Your story
* 8+ years of experience in studio management, creative operations, or project coordination—ideally within apparel, fashion, sportswear, or a fast-paced creative environment.
* Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives and managing complex, high-volume calendars.
* Proven ability to run and elevate presentation environments and high-impact review sessions.
* Experience negotiating with freelancers, creative talent, or external partners, with strong commercial awareness.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to operate confidently among senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
* Highly organized, proactive, and able to navigate ambiguity with composure and clarity.
* Passion for creativity, design culture, and building world‑class product experiences.
* Fluency in English; German is a plus.
On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to 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 work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.
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