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- Tasks: Lead a team in sourcing innovative materials for footwear while ensuring quality and sustainability.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on growth and innovation in the footwear industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal development and well-being.
- Other info: Collaborate across teams in a fast-paced, international setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable sourcing and work with top industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 5+ years in the global footwear industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
The Footwear Material Lead plays a pivotal role in ensuring that sourcing strategies align with business needs for all material categories. Reporting to the Head of Footwear Material Sourcing based in HCMC, this role focuses on fostering strong supplier relationships, ensuring supplier performance, and upholding the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. In addition, the Footwear Material Lead will drive process optimization and cross‑functional collaboration to support product creation and manufacturing excellence.
Your Mission
- Lead and inspire a high‑performing team of material sourcing specialists while nurturing people skills and cultivating a positive team environment.
- Build and maintain robust relationships with material suppliers, ensuring alignment with sourcing strategies, operations, quality, and sustainability goals.
- Partner with suppliers to drive efficiencies and optimise costs; actively evaluate supplier performance to ensure continuous improvement.
- Spearhead the team in cross‑functional collaborations to proactively address perceived risks, pre‑production and production challenges and put in place contingencies to ensure brand delivery expectations are met.
- Develop comprehensive reports and actionable strategic recommendations to drive material consolidation initiatives, enhance KPIs for improved efficiency, reduce lead times, and ensure a resilient supply base that upholds quality standards and on‑time delivery.
- Own material‑related execution from concept through production, ensuring smooth integration between T2 suppliers and T1 factories.
- Oversee rigorous material testing processes and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to address material‑related issues and implement corrective measures.
- Drive material sustainability initiatives and partner with sustainability teams to set goals, track progress, and contribute to sustainability reporting.
- Research and analyze market insights, stay abreast of material science advancements, emerging technologies, and market trends of innovative materials.
- Perform other duties as required/assigned.
Your Story
- Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Footwear Technology, Material Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in the global footwear industry or a related field.
- Strong experience working with material suppliers and manufacturing partners in Asia.
- Good understanding of footwear design, development, and technical performance materials.
- Strong knowledge of textiles, yarns, constructions, polymers, and material testing requirements.
- Experience managing material development and sourcing from concept to commercialisation.
- Strong project management and cross‑functional communication skills.
- Able to work independently in a fast‑paced, international environment.
- Fluent in English; Mandarin is a plus.
Meet The Team
You will be working with some of the brightest minds in the industry.
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.
On Lead - Footwear Material Sourcing employer: On
Contact Detail:
On Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land On Lead - Footwear Material Sourcing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in sustainability and quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of past projects or successes to the table during interviews. This will demonstrate your ability to drive efficiencies and optimise costs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace On Lead - Footwear Material Sourcing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Footwear Material Lead role. Highlight your experience in material sourcing, supplier relationships, and any relevant projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about footwear material sourcing. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiencies or improved supplier performance in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, don’t forget to mention your leadership style and how you foster collaboration. We love to see candidates who can inspire and motivate others!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at On
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of textiles, polymers, and the latest advancements in material science. Being able to discuss specific materials and their applications in footwear will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationships
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers in the past. Highlight any successful collaborations that led to improved efficiencies or cost savings, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on supplier performance.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with different teams to solve problems or drive projects forward. Be ready to discuss how you can foster collaboration between sourcing, design, and production teams to ensure smooth operations and meet brand delivery expectations.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Initiatives
With sustainability being a key focus, come prepared to talk about any initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it's reducing waste or sourcing eco-friendly materials, showing your commitment to sustainability will resonate well with the company's values.