Head of Footwear Materials

Swiss Engineering is not about excess, but about intent. This role leads the creation of a future-ready footwear materials portfolio, engineered for performance, durability, and responsibility, and built to support innovation and long-term growth without compromise.We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our brand as Head of Footwear Materials. As the leader of the footwear materials team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our footwear by driving performance, innovation, quality, and sustainability across the entire product range. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply deep expertise in materials science, implementation and manufacturing, market insight, scalable operations, and supply chain leadership to build exceptional materials systems—and, in doing so, strengthen the foundation of our brand.

1. Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for footwear materials, aligning it with the overall brand and sourcing strategy.
• Lead and inspire a team of materials specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, strategy, development, quality, sustainability, and sourcing, to ensure effective integration of materials in footwear products.

1. Material Development and Innovation:

• Stay at the forefront of material science, emerging technologies, and market trends to identify and develop innovative materials that meet performance, durability, and sustainability requirements.
• Conduct research and collaborate with external partners to identify new material opportunities and drive material advancements.
• Build, maintain and refresh the global footwear materials and embellishments toolboxes in partnership with key functional partners
• Lead complete oversight of all material developments from concept to commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost targets are met.

1. Supplier Management and Collaboration:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers, ensuring, in partnership with the Head of Material Sourcing, a robust and reliable supply chain from development through production.
• Partner closely with suppliers to drive innovation, performance, quality, and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve material-related issues, and ensure compliance with brand standards and regulations.
• Frequently evaluate and take action on supplier performance and portfolio in partnership with the Head of Material Sourcing

1. Quality Assurance and Testing:

• Establish and enforce rigorous material testing and quality control protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards and brand requirements.
• Work closely with quality assurance teams to address any material-related issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent quality deviations.
• Stay informed about industry regulations and standards related to footwear materials, proactively ensuring compliance and guiding the brand's sustainability efforts.

1. Sustainability and Circular Economy:

• Drive sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities for eco-friendly materials and processes, waste reduction, and circular economy practices.
• Collaborate with sustainability teams to set goals, track progress, and report on the brand's sustainability performance related to footwear materials.
• Engage with stakeholders, industry groups, and sustainability organizations to stay informed and contribute to industry-wide sustainability efforts.

• Proven experience (15+ years) in footwear material development, sourcing, and supply chain management within the sports industry.
• Deep knowledge of sport and lifestyle footwear materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience shaping bespoke, premium material solutions, combining performance engineering with the craft and attention to detail expected in high-end lifestyle products.
• Demonstrated experience leading and delivering strategic change within complex fast growing organisations.
• An innate drive to build, take ownership of execution, and work autonomously while remaining aligned to shared goals.
• Strong leadership capability, with the ability to lead, influence, and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Extensive experience developing expertise within materials and footwear manufacturing environments.
• Highly adaptable, with the ability to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.
• Hands-on by nature, with a willingness to travel as required, including short-notice trips when needed.
• A collaborative leader who fosters teamwork and creates an environment where people feel valued and included.
• Proven experience driving sustainability and circular-economy initiatives in footwear materials.
• A passion for innovation, with the ability to identify and scale new materials, technologies, and processes to improve performance, sustainability, and cost effectiveness.
• Deep understanding of material testing standards, quality-control processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
• Strong project-management capability, with a track record of delivering material development projects on time and within budget.
• A genuine passion for sport, with a keen eye for market trends, consumer needs, and functional performance requirements.