Senior Lead 3D Modeller Footwear and Apparel

Leads the 3D modelling function across footwear and apparel, building and managing a team from early ideation to production-ready assets. It combines hands-on technical work with strategic leadership, bridging innovation, design, engineering and development. The position sets standards for 3D workflows and helps shape the future of On's products.

• Build and lead the 3D team by hiring, mentoring and advancing 3D modellers and designers.
• Document standard operating procedures, run masterclasses and foster a culture of digital craftsmanship.
• Own and scale the concept-to-manufacture 3D pipeline across footwear and apparel, from blue-sky exploration to engineering-ready assets.
• Standardise modelling standards, specifications, automation and downstream pipelines.
• Lead high-complexity footwear concepts integrating bottom-units and upper builds using Rhino, Grasshopper and Blender.
• Lead virtual garment and accessory construction in CLO 3D, including accurate patterns, construction, fit validation and fabric simulation for drape, stretch, tension and shear.
• Act as primary technical partner to Sports Science, Product Creation and factory partners, ensuring digital models respect Sports Science data, design intent and manufacturability.
• Drive virtual design reviews and prototyping with photorealistic visualisation and 3D printing, replacing physical sample rounds with validated digital twins to shorten development time.
• Scout emerging technology, evaluating and piloting tools such as AI-assisted parametric modelling, automated revision making and specification generation.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Apparel Design, Fashion Technology or a related field, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
• 7+ years in 3D design and digital product creation for performance footwear and/or technical apparel.
• Portfolio of performance products and advanced concept builds.
• Working command of both footwear and apparel categories.
• 2+ years leading or mentoring 3D designers or technical creators in a fast-paced product creation environment.
• Ability to align Design, Engineering and Product Management and champion digital-first workflows.
• Proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper for NURBS modelling and parametric design.
• Proficiency in Blender for SubD and polygon modelling, sculpting, UV layout, retopology, procedural materials, lighting and rendering.
• Proficiency in CLO 3D for garment simulation, pattern creation and grading, fabric physics, avatar fitting and strain analysis.
• Ability to combine NURBS, SubD, polygonal and physics-based 3D workflows to deliver clean, accurate geometry.
• Knowledge of footwear manufacturing, including last making, tooling molds, construction and material development.
• Knowledge of apparel manufacturing, including pattern drafting, grading, seam taping, bonding, stretch behaviour, composite textiles and tech pack creation.
• Strong aesthetic judgement and spatial awareness, with close attention to silhouette, texture and proportions, ensuring technical precision does not compromise product appeal.
• Fluent English and strong presentation skills.
• Ability to run several priority projects at once under tight launch timelines.

• Experience with supporting tools such as Adobe, Substance, PLM, DAM, Unreal Engine or Houdini.

• Design studio
• International, cross-disciplinary team of designers
• Collaboration with Innovation and Design teams

• Tools to develop holistically, including opportunities to stay active, learn, explore and innovate.
• A supportive, team-oriented atmosphere.
• Access to self-care for physical and mental well-being.