This list contains only the countries for which job offers have been published in the selected language (e.g., in the French version, only job offers written in French are displayed, and in the English version, only those in English).
We are seeking a hands-on Footwear Material Manufacturing Expert with deep knowledge of footwear-relevant materials, processes, and cost drivers. This role requires someone who truly understands how materials are made — from compounding to forming to finishing — and can translate that expertise into long-range cost strategy for On Running Footwear. As a collaborative partner across Materials, Development, Product Strategy, Innovation and Production, you will shape our multi-year material cost roadmap, define seasonal material cost direction, and guide strategic choices across categories. This role is more providing on material cost strategy and on selected supplier's discussion and negotiation.
Job Responsibility:
Build and own the 3–5 year material cost roadmap across key categories (foams, textiles, rubbers, plastics, sustainability materials, etc.)
Translate manufacturing trends, input-cost movement, and technology changes into cost strategic implications
Recommend proactive strategies including material substitution, platforming, sourcing shifts, and Volume leverage
Provide seasonal material cost guardrails for Materials, Development, Design and Product Strategy from Costing perspective
Identify high-impact materials each season and align cost expectations early
Influence material choices through early insights on cost, manufacturability, and future risk
Support as On Running’s material manufacturing experts, able to deep-dive into: EVA & Rubber compounding, Foam and midsole technologies (traditional, supercritical, injection, etc.), Textile knitting/weaving/dyeing processes, Plastics molding and recycling flows, Adhesives, films, and structural components
Evaluate new technologies for cost, scalability, manufacturability, and performance impact
Partner with Materials, Development, Product Strategy, Innovation, to align cost strategy and seasonal direction from Cost Perspective
Support internally Costing team with frameworks and insights to guide their supplier price negotiation
Build trust-based relationships with T2/T3 suppliers as needed
Build cost models and material insights to influence cross-functional decisions
Maintain governance on material cost logic and ensure alignment across all product creation teams
Communicate cost risks, opportunities, and long-term outlook
Requirements:
7–10+ years in material manufacturing or material engineering — footwear materials strongly preferred
Strong technical understanding of EVA, rubber, foams, textiles, plastics, and advanced materials
Ability to translate technical material understanding into cost strategy and design guidance
Strong analytical skills and comfort with cost modeling
Excellent collaborator with a team-oriented, open, positive mindset
Able to influence without direct authority and work across functions with clarity and humility
Experience in material costing or cost engineering is a strong plus
What we offer:
Environment centered around growth and progress
Tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate
Supportive, team-oriented atmosphere
Access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being