Head of Apparel Technical Development

In short

This is your opportunity to join one of the world’s fastest growing and forward thinking sportswear companies. As the Head of Apparel Technical Development, you are responsible for ensuring that On’s products meet and exceed customers’ expectations in terms of quality, fit, and performance. As a key member of the globally integrated apparel organisation and cross-functional R&D team, you will be based in Zurich, Switzerland.

The Head of Apparel Technical Development alongside the Director of Apparel Creation, co-represents the Apparel Product Creation leadership team that includes peers from our Design, Product Development, Material, Testing, Sourcing, Product Management, and Merchandising teams.

It delivers on the long term apparel creation strategy while being committed to our athletes and customers in launching game changing product innovation and experience.The Head of Apparel Technical Development is the face and driver of the Apparel Engineering team, responsible for the technical expertise and fit excellence of On Apparel’s premium product range. Achieving a leading market position requires creative thinking and the ability to inspire all product creation shareholders, in our case through impeccable construction, workmanship, and fit. You will directly influence and impact our product integrity, interpret Design’s creative vision and fit intention, ensure fit consistency, while following a strict development calendar.This role combines technical expertise in fit, garment construction, pattern engineering, and 3D prototyping, alongside the material and manufacturing processes to ensure the highest quality and performance of our Inline, Athlete, and Special Projects apparel collections.

Your Mission

• Co-create with the Director of Apparel Creation, the long term Product Technical Development goals and strategy (fit, construction, workmanship, quality, functionality) that addresses end use without compromising on Design’s creative vision including silhouette, fit intent, and brand vision.
• Partner closely with the Head of Apparel Development, Senior Lead of Testing, and Director of Apparel Material to ensure all products meet our On quality expectations, garment wear testing standards, and cost engineering strategy from concept to manufacturing readiness stage.
• Update and evaluate technical fit standards to deliver the best and most consistent fit experience for our global customers, while gaining efficiency in both development and bulk production.
• Implement an efficient process of prototype evaluation and improvements between our global supplier base in conjunction with Zurich Product Development, Apparel Testing, and our Asia Sourcing Office (ASO) Development; Production teams.
• Direct the Pattern Engineering, Product Development, and Design teams to expertly conduct fit sessions, patterns reviews, and provide technical expertise and solutions to ensure our garments fit, function, and align to our customers’ expectations.
• Incorporate Fit Blocks, monitor fit model measurements regularly, and maintain grading standards to ensure technical precision, brand integrity, and fit consistency on a variety of global fit goals and standards.
• Drive an industry-leading Fit Classification system (Close, Regular, Relaxed) for all product categories that is universal for the business and clear to both internal and external users while advising on possible category and franchise expansion.
• Empower your team to excel in premium apparel craftsmanship, technical skill-building, and 3D prototyping while fostering an environment of continuous learning and spearheading industry innovation (i.e. latest garment technologies, processes, workflows, equipment, software).
• Partner with cross functional leaders to ensure alignment on Brand strategies and develop product specifications, timelines, and business goals from a technical perspective (i.e. APAC Fit,Extended Sizing & Grading, Fit & Presentation Models, etc.).
• Collaborate with Zurich Procurement & Quality and Vietnam Quality teams to monitor and evaluate apparel warranty claims, product risk assessment, and Ecomm & Retail product return feedback for continuous improvement and increased customer satisfaction.
• Mentor, nurture, and inspire the Apparel Engineering team by building a diverse and technically skilled talent pipeline.
• Empower and enable the team through coaching, career development, and by fostering an environment of collaboration, belonging, and well-being.
• Provide encouraging and effective leadership, education, and support to cross-functional partners (Apparel Product Development, Apparel Testing, Design, Product Management, Merchandising, Sourcing) in areas related to apparel engineering and technical development.
• Build strong and impactful business relationships with existing and new global suppliers when it comes to functional product quality standards, technical readiness & expertise, and product innovation & co-creation.
• Cultivate a proactive and entrepreneurial team culture alongside long term succession planning for further growth.