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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to innovate and develop sustainable polymer compounds for high-performance sports footwear.
- Company: Join On, a forward-thinking company redefining sports goods production with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, personal development opportunities, and a focus on well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of an agile team driving innovation in materials and processes for a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: MSc in Polymer Science or related field, with 10 years of experience in compound engineering.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced, inclusive environment that values creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Take the leap and redefine the future of sports good production with us. Lead the compound engineering team in Vietnam and build a strong and reliable operation in Vietnam and Indonesia.
Your Mission
Your mission will be to lead the inline and innovation compound engineering team, developing, and implementing cutting-edge compound technologies to create high-performance, sustainable materials that redefine underfoot sensation. You will drive the efforts of manufacturing excellence and put in place documentation and processes, contributing to our operations being more robust and transparent. You will be in charge of bringing on board state-of-the-art partners and through continuous innovation, you'll push the boundaries of materials, technology, and processes, while keeping the big picture in mind.
Polymer Innovation & Development:
- Lead the development and validation of innovative polymer compounds (midsole, outsole, speed board) for footwear applications, from concept through to inline production and ensure the scalability of new development.
- Integrate sustainable materials into polymer development, aligned with On's sustainability goals.
- Explore novel technologies, processing methods, and cross-industry innovations to future-proof product pipelines.
Manufacturing Excellence & Process Implementation:
- Evaluate current material and manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for improved performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Define and maintain chemical engineering documentation, including: Compound formulation documentation; VOC reduction guidelines and data frameworks; Process audit frameworks for compound production.
- Drive standardization of bonding processes and engineering guidelines to support consistent, high-quality production.
Cross-functional Leadership & Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with internal teams (Innovation, Product Development, Operations) and external partners (material suppliers, factories).
- Support costing team on price negotiation with suppliers.
- Lead knowledge-sharing and upskilling initiatives around polymer materials, compliance, and best practices.
Your Story
- MSc (or higher) in Polymer Science, Material Science, compound engineering or a related discipline.
- 10 years of hands-on experience in compound engineering and leadership, with a strong focus on innovation, performance materials, and sustainability.
- Deep understanding of manufacturing processes like IM, CMP, SCIF, SCF, high pressure injection molding.
- Proven experience in driving complex projects collaborating with diverse stakeholders to scale up novel material solutions from concept to global supply chain integration.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English required; additional language skills are a plus.
Meet The Team
The Innovation team is responsible for On's future products, out-of-the-box thinking and athlete-informed technology that differentiates On's products in the market. Within the Innovation team, you will join the Polymer Science and Engineering team which is focused on polymer and compound development with a scope covering long term innovation to inline production. You will have the opportunity to be part of an agile and interdisciplinary department of engineers and scientists. We foster a fast-paced environment with direct decision making and the freedom to design projects and processes.
What We Offer
On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically - to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose.
On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.
Head of Compound Engineering - Polymer Science & Engineering employer: BoF Careers
Contact Detail:
BoF Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compound Engineering - Polymer Science & Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in polymer science and sustainable materials. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for innovation and sustainability, which are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the compound engineering field, especially those who have experience in footwear applications. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the latest technologies and processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led complex projects in the past. Highlight your experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and driving innovation, as these skills are crucial for the Head of Compound Engineering position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Understanding our values and mission will allow you to align your responses during interviews and show that you're a great fit for our team culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compound Engineering - Polymer Science & Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in polymer science and compound engineering. Focus on your leadership roles and any innovative projects you've led, especially those related to sustainability and performance materials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in polymer development and how your background aligns with the company's mission. Mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive complex projects.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language and structure your documents logically to reflect your communication abilities.
Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasise your experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with internal teams and external partners to achieve project goals, particularly in the context of material innovation and manufacturing excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at BoF Careers
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in compound engineering and polymer science. Highlight specific projects where you led the development of innovative materials, focusing on sustainability and performance.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams. Discuss your approach to collaboration and how you've driven complex projects to completion.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Research the company's sustainability initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these goals. Share ideas on integrating sustainable materials into polymer development.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about manufacturing processes and technologies relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of methods like high-pressure injection moulding and be ready to explain how you've applied these in past projects.
