Head of Footwear Sourcing Strategy

Role Overview

The mission of this position is to effectively connect global sourcing with product development, positioning sourcing as a strategic contributor from the beginning of the process. By cultivating strong partnerships with teams across Innovation, Creation, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sustainability, you will promote a culture of learning that improves quality and ensures timely delivery.

Success in this role will depend on your ability to create a sourcing roadmap that allows for the seamless execution of our product portfolio, striking a balance between cost, quality, and delivery expectations.

Your Responsibilities

• Strategic Alignment: Foster close collaboration between the sourcing teams located primarily in Vietnam and the broader product organization based in Switzerland.
• Integrate Sourcing Considerations: Ensure that sourcing requirements are incorporated into the product roadmap, making all projects fully 'sourcing ready' by the time the product is finalized.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as a strategic partner in cross-functional teams including Innovation, Creation, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sustainability.
• Learning Culture: Instill a 'learning culture & process' in the product development framework to significantly improve quality and on-time delivery.
• Portfolio Execution: Create a sourcing roadmap that facilitates flawless execution of the product portfolio while balancing cost, quality, and delivery goals.

Your Background

• 8+ years of progressive experience in strategic footwear sourcing, with additional experience in production operations for apparel and accessories considered advantageous.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, with an emphasis on points of integration for sourcing and experience across upstream product strategy, innovation, product creation, and quality management.
• Adept at connecting various functions, navigating ambiguity, and adapting to shifting priorities.
• Proven leadership skills to manage multiple cross-functional projects effectively.
• Experience in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, successfully executing these plans within complex organizational structures.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration among geographically diverse teams, particularly between Europe and Asia.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships across various levels, influencing outcomes and achieving consensus.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement methodologies and nurturing a learning-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills to assess complex trade-offs and develop effective solutions; proficiency in synthesizing, structuring, and simplifying intricate problems.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, engaging with and aligning senior leaders.

Our Environment

At On, we foster an atmosphere centered on growth and progress, providing an environment that equips individuals with the tools necessary for holistic development—encouraging activity, learning, exploration, and innovation. Our unique approach merges a supportive, team-oriented culture with resources dedicated to personal self-care for physical and mental well-being, guiding each individual with a sense of purpose.

On is committed to an equitable work environment, ensuring that our recruitment, advancement, and retention practices are free from discrimination, promoting inclusivity and fairness for all.