Head of Football Footwear Development

About the role

On is looking for a Head of Football Footwear Development based at its Zurich headquarters. You will be the executive technical leader behind the company's football footwear, building the category from the ground up and connecting design vision, biomechanical performance and manufacturing feasibility. The role reports directly to the Head of Innovation Footwear and leads a dedicated Zurich-based Football Development team.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the technical and development strategy for football footwear, and pioneer agile, disruptive manufacturing methods and next-generation tooling.
• Drive category-defining innovation from the inline development process and act as the final technical authority during briefing, design and execution, covering traction, stud configuration, upper lockdown, ball feel and touch.
• Align Zurich-based Design, Product Management and Biomechanics with Asia-based development and manufacturing partners.
• Build, mentor and scale a team of developers and engineers.
• Work with tier-1 suppliers and manufacturing vendors to enable quick-turn, agile production.
• Set and oversee validation benchmarks for fit, feel, traction, energy return and durability across factory partners.

Required profile

• 10-15+ years of footwear development experience, with a proven track record in high-performance football (soccer) footwear.
• Experience implementing disruptive manufacturing methods such as advanced automation, additive manufacturing, 3D/textile innovation and automated bonding.
• Experience building and leading technical teams and influencing product management, design and external partners.
• Fluency in English, verbal and written, with strong presentation skills.

Required skills

• Football-specific biomechanics, plate dynamics, stud pressure distribution and specialized last development.
• Understanding of upper materials under match conditions.
• Balancing high-risk innovation with commercial viability and global supply chain scalability.