Senior Specialist - Apparel Developer

This role supports the end-to-end development of high-performance apparel across seasonal collections and special projects, helping to bring innovative products to life for performance sportswear consumers. It sits within a small, agile development team and works closely with Design, Materials, Innovation and Sourcing, alongside a Lead Developer and other Specialists. The role receives direct mentorship and hands-on guidance while taking responsibility for specific product areas, with the opportunity to build technical expertise and product knowledge on new performance projects.

• Support the development of a seasonal performance apparel collection, helping to create innovative products that meet consumer needs and reflect On's performance DNA.
• Manage assigned stages of product development from concept through commercialisation, ensuring products meet performance, innovation, quality and athlete expectations under the guidance of senior team members.
• Collaborate with Design to create accurate, production-ready Tech Packs and clear, detailed and aligned supplier instructions.
• Apply performance-ready construction techniques and seek technical solutions that meet design intent, performance requirements, fit standards, cost targets and sustainability goals.
• Support the delivery of fit, wear testing and quality standards across assigned product ranges so products perform reliably under intended use conditions.
• Maintain product development documentation using Adobe Illustrator and PLM tools, including detailed specifications, construction artwork and material selections.
• Participate actively in fit sessions with a strong standard of execution, technical curiosity and growing competitor awareness.
• Partner with the Materials Developer to select and source materials that enhance performance, comfort, durability and customer experience.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key suppliers to ensure product quality, innovation and production readiness.
• Make informed decisions within assigned project scope, balancing design intent and technical feasibility while escalating complex issues appropriately.
• Manage assigned tasks concurrently, prioritising effectively to meet timelines, quality and cost goals.
• Contribute to solving technical challenges related to construction, materials, fit or production, showing a proactive attitude toward continuous process improvement.
• Develop expertise in specialised performance categories by learning from senior colleagues and cross-functional partners.
• Collaborate across Design, Materials, Sourcing, Engineering, Innovation, Product Strategy and external partners to support alignment from concept to production.
• Provide clear, timely product input and feedback to internal teams and suppliers, maintaining open and collaborative communication.

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Engineering, Sportswear Development, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of experience in apparel development.
• Strong interest in performance sportswear needs and a growing ability to help translate technical requirements into commercially viable products.
• Good foundational knowledge of garment construction, basic pattern understanding, materials and fit.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a hands-on approach and openness to learning unconventional thinking.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PLM systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and ambitious product innovation goals.
• Willingness to travel regularly between HQ and global development and manufacturing partners as needed.
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Enthusiasm for working within a growing, highly collaborative team environment where learning, growth and continuous development are prioritised.
• Highly motivated to learn from experienced technical leaders while progressively taking on more independent responsibility for complex product categories.

• Exposure to performance apparel, technical sportswear, or intimates/close-to-body apparel.