On Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects

We are looking for a Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects to contribute in shaping the future of On’s Global Real Estate + Development team from our Headquarters in Zurich. The Senior Lead - Development Manager, Special Projects is a dynamic and senior strategic role within the Global Strategic Initiatives team, responsible for the strategic development, elevated decision-making, and end-to-end execution of high-profile, globally impactful initiatives. They act as the driving force, spearheading complex projects within the Real Estate portfolio. This role comfortably takes complex, high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, often under pressure and ambiguity. Beyond execution, this role critically analyzes project outcomes to develop standardized playbooks and best practices for future Special Projects, documenting key learnings, optimizing processes, and establishing clear frameworks for future projects.

Your Mission

• Execute within the strategic vision, elevated decision-making, and execution of Special Projects by pioneering new territory and embracing projects that push the boundaries of the brand's current capabilities and built environment portfolio.
• Global Collaboration & Alignment: Drive strong collaboration and partnerships by ensuring active listening, respecting company objectives, and motivating cross-functional teams towards unified outcomes.
• Project Management: Leveraging construction management expertise to guarantee all special projects are delivered on time and on budget, while simultaneously ensuring they meet On's premium design aesthetic and commitment to quality.
• Develop global best practices from these special projects, turning successful new concepts into repeatable typologies ready for regional roll-out and implementation.
• Drive innovation and competitive advantage by embracing calculated risk and proposing comprehensive action plans, ensuring that every project maintains the highest standard of quality and attention to detail to achieve On's premium design aesthetic.
• Shape the future of the On community: The work has a broader impact on the company's environment and culture.

Your Story

• Project Experience (10+ Years): Demonstrated experience in architecture and construction, specifically managing complex projects (retail, workplace, etc.), including direct involvement in design development to construction administration.
• Elevated Decision-Making: Proven comfort in making complex, high-stakes decisions with brand-wide implications, often under pressure and ambiguity.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage expectations.
• Strategic Global Partnerships: Extensive experience in driving strategic partnerships and providing confident direction, mentorship, and support to cross-functional teams.
• Novel Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify underlying systemic blockers and deliver unique, scalable solutions to new-to-brand challenges.
• Calculated Risk Management: Proven ability to analyze strategic options, form comprehensive action plans, and successfully manage calculated risks that fuel innovation.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Comfortable leading high-profile Special Projects that demand exploring new approaches and operating outside established norms.
• Design & Organizational Skills: A strong appreciation for design aesthetic combined with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain meticulous records.
• Language: Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in another language is an advantage.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel Globally, when needed.

Meet The Team

Within the Real Estate and Development team, the newly formed Global Strategic Initiatives team is a dynamic environment focused on maximizing the impact of our real estate portfolio. We drive operational excellence, build strong stakeholder relationships, and lead high-profile special projects. As a key member of this team, you will spearhead the strategy and execution of special projects and initiatives related to On's built environment. Many of these projects will be groundbreaking for the brand, requiring you to leverage your construction management expertise and apply innovative approaches. You will drive strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholder needs, synthesize complex requests, and use critical thinking to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest design standards. You will also champion the development and implementation of best practices in project management. Join us and help shape the architecture, behavior, culture, and future of the On community. With an exciting pipeline of ambitious and innovative projects, we're seeking a high-performing individual to join our team.

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.