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On

Global Head of Talent Acquisition (R&D)

Zurich, Switzerland

Salary

Competitive

Location

Zurich, Switzerland

Industry

Activewear & Sports Apparel

Hello!

Thank you for your interest in the Head of Talent Acquisition (R&D) role and for taking the time to explore an opportunity with On.

We’re currently one of the fastest growing sportswear brands in history – and we’re not planning to slow down any time soon so we’re looking for the right talent to join us on this exciting journey.

As such, we have an opportunity for an experienced R&D recruitment leader to join our global TA team. This isn’t just any position, but a pivotal role that will help elevate our employer brand and contribute to our culture of innovation, reporting directly to me.

At On, we offer an environment where you’re free to work in the way that suits you best, encouraging exploration, risk-taking and supporting your passions. Our R&D team is central to our future, driving product innovation, sustainability efforts, and supporting our athletes to conquer grand stages. Your role would be critical in acquiring talent that not only propels us forward but also distinguishes us from our competition.

Wesley

We’re seeking someone with strong leadership skills, excellent stakeholder management, a deep understanding of end-to-end product creation, and data proficiency. If you’re ready to play a key role in a dynamic, fast-growing organization that’s changing the game in our industry, then this could be the role for you.

I welcome the chance to discuss this opportunity further and explore how you could contribute to our team’s success.

Many thanks,

Signature

Wesley Gilbert
Global Head of Talent Acquisition

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Role overview

Get ready to take the reins as the new Global Head of Talent Acquisition (R&D) at On, a leading sportswear company renowned for its design, sustainability and innovation.

This pioneering role, based in beautiful Zurich, Switzerland offers a thrilling opportunity for an R&D subject matter expert who is eager to leave their mark.

Reporting directly to Wesley Gilbert, their Global Head of Talent Acquisition, you will lead an existing recruitment team of six across Zurich and Vietnam.

This position is perfect for an influential talent acquisition leader who’s seeking an opportunity to help shape the future design and direction of their global R&D function..

Being an integral part of On, you will enjoy immense autonomy to execute your vision, develop solutions, and drive excellence in their talent acquisition processes. On thrives on entrepreneurial spirit and people who can balance strategy with execution, and envisage solutions where others see challenges.

In this role, you will have the freedom to solve problems as you see fit, and the opportunity to impact change. With R&D experiencing significant growth, this is your chance to play a key part in helping shape the company’s future.

Read on if you’re ready to leverage your expertise, inspire a team, and help pioneer their talent acquisition strategy for R&D. On awaits your energy, enthusiasm, and influence.

Full JD available if progressing

Your mission

Key features of the role

Office Location

You will be based full time from beautiful Zurich, Switzerland.

Company Headcount

Excluding their retail stores, On employs c.2000 people globally.

Total Remuneration

Competitive annual salary plus an attractive equity and bonus scheme.

Hours of Work

The hours you work each week are up to you as long as you deliver.

Work Week

2-3 days a week, with a Wednesday face to face day for you and your team.

Annual Leave

You will be entitled to unlimited holiday in line with all other employees.

Relocation Package

Full financial and practical support throughout the relocation process.

Interview Process

You will be assessed by PEEQ initially, before being introduced to On.

Interview Location

It’s unlikely that any stage of the interview process will be face to face.

The successful candidate will…

pic1

Have a deep understanding of the end to end product creation process and how all functions work together.

experience

Have at least 10+ years of experience leading high performing teams.

passion

Be truly passionate about recruiting and would go out of their way to ensure a high-touch, 'wow' experience for candidates.

Strategy

Have built talent & engagement strategies that tap into a broad mix of talent across R&D for Footwear & Apparel at all levels.

creative

Have a creative and innovative approach to problem solving and is quick in finding solutions. No challenge is too big!

partnership

Believe in building a strategic function with deep business understanding, strong partnerships and collaborative relationships.

Enjoy creating a supportive team environment and sharing their expertise and insights to coach and develop team mates.

Get to know On

Mission
To ignite the human spirit through movement.

Spirits
These are On’s values – defining the working environment and shaping the team dynamics:

  • Positive
  • Athlete
  • Explorer
  • Team
  • Survivor

Questions and Answers

Where will I be based?

You will be based full time from beautiful Zurich, Switzerland.

Is it possible to do this job and not be based in Zurich?

Unfortunately no, due to your key stakeholders (the R&D team) being based from On’s headquarters in Zurich.

What does the balance between home vs. office based working look like?

You are likely to be in the office 2-3 days a week with Wednesdays being a consistent face to face day for you and your team. It’s up to you how you structure the rest of your week.

What are my contractual working hours?

The hours you work are up to you as long as you deliver.

How much annual leave do I get?

You will be entitled to unlimited holiday in line with all other On employees.

Will I be expected to travel?

There might be a little travel involved in the role but it won’t form an integral part of your job.

Is there a relocation package?

Yes. On offers full support throughout the relocation process – both financial and practical. The package will vary from country to country and will take into consideration whether you’re relocating as a family or individual. 

What’s On's global headcount?

Excluding their retail stores, On employs c.2000 people globally.

How many people would be in my team?

You would have 6 direct reports; 2 in Vietnam, 3 in Zurich and 1 in London. This will grow quickly.

What areas are covered by R&D?

On’s Research and Development team consist of Design, Development, Product, Sustainability, Athlete Strategy and Innovation.

What will the interview process look like?

You will be assessed by Peeq initially, before being introduced to On. If you’re selected by On to progress, you will have a video interview with Wesley Gilbert (line manager). Following this you will be expected to prepare and present a case study. After this point you will meet with 3-4 key stakeholders virtually.

Will any element of the interview be face to face?

It’s unlikely that any stage of the interview process will be face to face.

Build the Better You

At On, we take a holistic approach to learning, development, well-being and work – creating an environment where our teammates can thrive and tap into their personal why. 

MIND

Self-care and Reflection: We have internal and external self-care programs and mental well-being support available whenever it’s needed – for our teammates and their families.

Rest and Recovery: With flexible vacation and working hours, everyone can switch off at their own pace.

BODY

Movement and Action: We embrace the mind-body connection, because making time to move with yoga, hiking or running helps us find our flow – and perhaps a little something more.

PURPOSE

Mission and Values: We’re all guided by our values and mission at On – they’re the North Star, keeping us on track. 

Community and Collaboration: The human connection is core to our culture – showing up every day through our Team Spirit, with our external community events, our team days, Inclusion Groups, and buddy system to name a few.

Growth and Development: On is an environment with perpetual growth in mind – constant stretch, continuous feedback, individual development. Anytime Feedback, ‘Radical Candor’, leadership programs and personal learning budgets, we’re invested in giving our teammates the tools to prosper.

Interested in finding out more?

Email mark.barnicoat@pe-eq.com confirming your interest in the role.

HR Recruitment London, HR Job Search, PEEQ Jobs

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