Lead Footwear Material Designer

About the role

On’s Material Design team shapes the intersection of performance, aesthetics and sustainability. As Lead Footwear Material Designer you will set the material vision, drive innovation and ensure excellence across product categories.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead long‑term material design strategy aligned with brand and business goals.
• Own seasonal material briefs, ensuring innovation, commercial viability and sustainability targets.
• Develop differentiated material narratives that reinforce brand identity.
• Explore and integrate new materials, technologies and finishes.
• Guide engineered material development and ensure design intent is realized.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration with Footwear Design, Color, Development and Product Strategy.
• Mentor and develop a team of Material Designers.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Product Design or related field.
• 8‑10+ years of footwear or performance product design experience with deep material expertise.
• Proven track record of leading material direction and delivering commercially successful products.
• Strong understanding of material construction, manufacturing processes and performance requirements.
• Excellent communication, storytelling and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• 3D design capabilities (strong plus).

What we offer

• Growth‑focused environment with tools for holistic development.
• Supportive, team‑oriented atmosphere promoting physical and mental well‑being.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusion.