Head of Color Design 100%

Overview

At On, color transcends mere aesthetics; it serves as a strategic instrument that deeply connects emotion, performance, brand storytelling, and the latest color trends. In this pivotal role, you will guide and articulate the global color vision for On footwear, shaping the visual language across both Lifestyle and Performance categories. This position stands at the crossroads of creativity, science, and innovation, overseeing the entire color strategy from long-term vision to seasonal execution.

Your Mission

Color Vision & Strategy

• Define and own the long-term and seasonal color strategy for Footwear, ensuring alignment with On’s brand DNA, consumer insights, and commercial objectives.
• Translate brand and product strategy into engaging color directions that balance innovation, consistency, and scalability.
• Act as the key decision-maker for footwear color direction across all categories and franchises.
• Collaborate with the Head of Apparel Color/ACC Color to co-define seasonal color palettes.

Consumer & Brand Storytelling

• Utilize color as a storytelling and emotional driver, enhancing brand recognition and consumer connection.
• Craft clear color narratives that support performance, lifestyle relevance, and merchandising efficacy.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Apparel Color Design to ensure a cohesive, cross-category color expression.
• Engage with Product Strategy, Footwear Design, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing to synchronize color decisions with product intent and retail necessities.
• Influence stakeholders at various levels with a compelling point of view, supported by data-driven insights and engaging presentations.

Trend Forecasting & Insight

• Direct cultural, artistic, and technological trend research, converting macro insights into actionable, distinctive color palettes.
• Balance trend relevance with longevity and adherence to brand consistency.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team of color designers, promoting a culture of creativity, curiosity, inclusion, and accountability.
• Establish clear direction, priorities, and standards while empowering designers to exceed boundaries.

Process, Tools & Excellence

• Oversee and advance the footwear color design process from initial concept to final production.
• Cultivate and maintain exemplary digital and physical color libraries. Ensure clear briefs, efficient transitions, and strong collaboration with teams based in Zurich and Vietnam.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Promote sustainable color solutions by challenging conventional dyeing and finishing processes.
• Collaborate with Development and Supply Chain to enhance environmental impact, durability, and scalability of color applications.

Your Story

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Color Science, Material Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Approximately 10+ years of experience in color design within footwear or apparel, with substantial leadership experience.
• Proven skill in defining and executing color strategy at the brand or category level.
• Strong understanding of footwear manufacturing processes and technical constraints related to color application.
• Demonstrated experience in working with merchandising strategies, consumer insights, and data-driven assortment planning.
• Advanced knowledge of color systems (such as Coloro, Pantone), Adobe Creative Suite, and PLM tools; familiarity with data tools (e.g., Looker) is an advantage.
• Passionate about sustainability, innovation, and forward-thinking design solutions.
• A confident, collaborative leader capable of influencing diverse disciplines and cultures.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly in delivering impactful messages to senior leadership.
• Fluency in English (both spoken and written); knowledge of additional languages is a bonus.