Senior Specialist - Footwear Material Leather

Drive premium footwear execution by partnering with Zurich HQ and tanneries to commercialize leather innovations. You will own end-to-end quality governance-establishing strict testing, grading, and cutting parameters across T1/T2 suppliers-while optimizing material utilization, onboarding new tanneries, and building our core leather manual to ensure production consistency.

• Partner with ZH Leather management team to commercialize new leathers and material innovations.
• Work with Product Development, On-Site Teams (QA Teams), and suppliers to establish grading, testing, and cutting parameters for new leather programs.
• Support the implementation of new leather techniques across leather collections.
• Participate in material trials, evaluations, and approvals during development and commercialization stages.
• Ensure T1 factories consistently maintain company quality and aesthetic standards.
• Evaluate leather selection, grading, cutting, and utilization practices to ensure compliance with approved quality guidelines.
• Partner with T1 factories to resolve leather quality issues, including replacement or recutting of non-conforming materials.
• Collaborate with the leather suppliers to quickly address leather concerns that may impact production schedules.
• Visit T1 factories and T2 leather suppliers to educate teams on:
  Testing standards procedures;
  Grading guidelines;
  Leather receiving procedures;
  Cutting and material utilization practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance quality consistency and operational efficiency.
• Partner with the Costing Team to ensure fair and accurate leather waste factors are applied by T1 factories.
• Monitor leather utilization and support opportunities for material optimization without compromising quality standards.
• Support material tracking and organization for development and production needs.
• Build up the leather core board, set up leather manual process.
• Onboard new Tanneries.

• 5+ years of experience in leather sourcing, leather quality, product development, or material management within footwear or accessories industries.
• Strong technical understanding of leather grading, tanning, cutting, testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with tanneries, factories, and external partners across Asia.
• Knowledge of footwear, construction and material applications preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and supplier management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and material tracking systems.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

You will be working with the brightest minds in the footwear sourcing industry.

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.