Join On's Innovation team as the Director of Sports Science, leading a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of research scientists. You will drive cutting-edge advancements in athletic performance by merging deep physiological, biomechanical, and human performance research into groundbreaking product innovations. This strategic leadership role focuses heavily on directing athlete-centric research programs and managing a large, high-performing team of scientists to shape the future of running and performance footwear.

As the Director of Sports Science, you will architect the strategic vision and infrastructure required to build a world-leading science organization. You will bridge the gap between pure human performance research and commercialized product breakthrough, ensuring rigorous, forward-thinking science is baked into On's DNA.

Strategic & Scale Leadership

• Vision & Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive long-term research agenda in biomechanics and physiology, establishing a clear future vision for a world-class performance science center aligned with On's innovation goals.
• Build & Scale: Scale a world-class Sports Science organization, implementing global industry-best practices and infrastructure while effectively managing budgets and lab resources.
• People & Culture: Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, high-performing team of researchers. Foster an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture of scientific excellence and fast-paced commercial application.

Applied Research & Product Translation

• Insight Generation: Direct cutting-edge research programs inside advanced performance labs, utilizing elite athletes and everyday movers to uncover new insights into human movement, injury prevention, and metabolic efficiency.
• Data Translation: Oversee large-scale data collection (biomechanical, physiological, and digital health) and translate complex findings into actionable design parameters and product requirements.
• Modern Methodology & Validation: Drive advanced scientific methodologies over outdated testing standards. Establish industry-leading protocols for subjective perception and objective validation to guarantee scientifically proven product benefits.

Ecosystem & Cross-Functional Impact

• Global Network: Cultivate and manage an elite network of global academic institutions, research partners, and progressive tech firms to keep On at the vanguard of movement science.
• Cross-Functional Cohesion: Partner seamlessly with product engineering, design, and marketing to ensure scientific insights are authentically integrated into product development and powerful consumer storytelling.
• Executive Communication: Synthesize and communicate complex data and human-performance concepts with clarity and commercial relevance to non-technical audiences and executive leadership.

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Physiology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Proven track record of senior leadership (+10 years) heading interdisciplinary research groups, preferably within the sportswear or performance-gear industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams (experience leading 20+ research scientists is highly preferred).
• Extensive experience directing physiological and biomechanical research, with a profound understanding of elite athlete performance and movement data.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a history of scaling or establishing modern human performance research frameworks, systems, or labs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; someone who can bridge the gap between technical data and creative design.
• A true passion for running, sports, and a continuous desire to reinvent athletic performance.