Teams
Footwear Development & Mgmt
We manage the creation of On footwear, upholding the consumer’s voice in every step of the process from briefing new products to presenting them to sales. Product Management is a mindset, not a department. Every team member’s empowered to make decisions. We understand that failure’s a part of learning. We’re constantly asking how we can improve to create industry leading products and be part of a better brand. We use dedicated technology systems and a forward-thinking approach to strive for operational excellence. We’re the main point of contact for multiple teams in the end-to-end product creation process. And we work with people from all over the world.
Ernest
Interview
Ernest
Team
Footwear Development & Mgmt
What does your team do at On?
We’re responsible for creating innovative products for On. We have a lot of responsibility to try and meet the needs and demands of runners. So we research, design, develop and test lots of ideas scientifically. Only products that pass our rigorous tests ever go to market.
What On teams do you work closely with?
Usually we work with the Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service teams the most. Occasionally with Finance too.
How is your team different from counterparts in other companies?
Our innovation department is right next to us, so we can bounce ideas off each other very easily. This fosters an environment of cool and crazy ideas - which is just how we like it. Also, we really take the On values ‘be different’ and ‘good isn’t good enough’ to heart - so we're always trying to come up with things that haven’t been done before.
What can you tell us about your team members?
Our team is basically a bunch of oddballs! We’re all passionate about great products and we’re all curious by nature. In terms of backgrounds, we have people from Germany, Switzerland, UK, Ghana, Taiwan, France and Sweden. Sports? We have runners, basketballers, footballers, cyclists, skiers and Muay Thai fighters.
What is a typical day at work like?
Firstly, we have a cup of tea and share a laugh with colleagues. Then we speak to our counterparts in Asia. Next, we’ll cut up shoes, check their construction and create ‘monsters’ - or prototypes made up of different shoes. At lunch, we go for a run or play football. Afterwards, we’ll check confirmation samples for production or research.
What is one thing your team achieved last year that you are proud of?
Well, our team has been growing rapidly so I am really proud of the great team spirit and bond that we have developed. There's always a good atmosphere and we all help each other out.
How do you celebrate success as a team? And how do you have fun as a team?
By eating! We’re a team of feeders so food is often brought in. We also like to go out as a team for drinks or karaoke and we like to play music and have impromptu sing-alongs at work as well. There’s a really great team spirit, so there’s lots of banter and fun during and after work. At the weekend we do things like have house parties or go hiking too.
What is a must for someone who joins the team?
Make sure you have a curious mind and an appreciation of different types of humor.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to a new team member?
We have a wide range of characters but we always welcome more. So, just be yourself because everyone else is taken.
Featured Team Member
Ernest
Our innovation department is right next to us, so we can bounce ideas off each other very easily. This fosters an environment of cool and crazy ideas - which is just how we like it.
Good to know
• The team has a very high interest in tracking down the best bakery in town... which just happens to be right next to our office. Lucky us!
