On - Senior Lead – Footwear Manufacturing - Zürich

Team for Career Site

Footwear Product Creation

In short

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Lead – Footwear Manufacturing to oversee the build-up and ramp-up of a state-of-the-art, fully automated sports shoe manufacturing line in Zurich. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior leader with a passion for innovation and a proven track record in leading manufacturing teams and operating automated production lines. As the Senior Lead, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our manufacturing operations by driving the optimisation of cutting-edge robotics-based technology, processes, and operations.

You will lead a team of machine operators, engineers, and production staff to ensure high-quality, efficient, and scalable production. This role is about more than managing an established production line – it’s about building, scaling, and optimising a new manufacturing process, solving complex challenges, and continuously learning and adapting as we innovate.

Your mission

– Lead the build-up of a fully automated production line for sports shoe manufacturing, ensuring efficient ramp-up, scalability, and consistent output.
– Lead, mentor, and build a high-performance manufacturing team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
– Drive the optimisation of manufacturing processes and technology with a focus on achieving high-quality products, high efficiency, and smooth production flow.
– Collaborate with engineers and technical teams to fine-tune robotic and automation technologies, solving operational challenges and improving production efficiency.
– Develop and implement production strategies that prioritise speed, quality, safety, and cost-efficiency.
– Actively troubleshoot and resolve technical and operational issues during the production ramp-up phase, continuously improving processes and finding innovative solutions.
– Establish best practices for production processes, safety standards, maintenance schedules, and quality control.
– Monitor production performance and KPIs, ensuring consistent output, high-quality standards, and the achievement of production targets.
– Lead continuous learning and knowledge-sharing efforts within the team to ensure everyone is up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices.
Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, innovation, logistics, etc.) to align production goals with overall company objectives.
– Drive a culture of innovation and agility, encouraging team members to proactively contribute ideas and improvements.

Your story

– Proven experience in leading manufacturing teams and operations, particularly in automated production lines or robotics-based manufacturing.
– Experience ramping up new manufacturing lines, ideally in high-tech or innovative environments, with a demonstrated ability to solve challenges and drive operational excellence.
– Strong track record in building and scaling manufacturing operations, with expertise in process optimisation, automation, and continuous improvement.
– Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to creatively tackle complex problems and make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment.
– Excellent leadership and people management skills, able to inspire teams to achieve production targets while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
– Strong technical knowledge of automated manufacturing technologies (e.g., robotics, AI, machine learning) with the ability to quickly adapt to new systems and processes.
– Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to address both technical and operational challenges efficiently.
– Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
– Ability to perform well under pressure, manage ambiguity, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-evolving environment.
– Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent experience); advanced degree is a plus.
– Excellent written and spoken German and English skills.

Meet the team

We’re a dynamic group of forward-thinkers, bound by one common goal: to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Combining robotics, material innovation, and an unwavering passion for disruption, our team is dedicated to rewriting the rulebook of sportswear. We’re pioneers, constantly looking for new ways to blend technology with creativity to shape the future of running shoes. Join us, and be part of a team that’s not just innovating – we’re revolutionising the game.