Sporting Fashion & Goods
Intern - Running Footwear Development
Pre-career
Zürich, Switzerland
in office
Internship
Job description
About the Role
The internship is a six-month, fully paid programme starting on 1 March, integrating the intern within a dedicated team and offering direct contribution to On's global expansion. The role supports Footwear Developers in creating and executing inline Performance Running products, guiding the seasonal development process from creative briefs through to final prototypes. The intern also acts as a collaborative bridge between Inline Development and Innovation, manages competitor benchmarking, and oversees data management for footwear quality, pricing, and production lead times within PLM systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Take direct accountability for assigned operational workflows and sub-projects, driving tasks from initial onboarding through to measurable business impact over the six-month tenure.
- Partner closely with mentors, cross-functional peers, and regional stakeholders across EMEA to align on shared milestones and execute business priorities.
- Assist with daily team operations, streamline routines, and optimise internal documentation to maintain premium execution standards.
- Present project learnings, campaign outcomes, or analytical findings to team leadership using structured storytelling and clear data insights.
- Assist Footwear Developers in creating and executing inline Performance Running products, supporting the seasonal development process from creative briefs through to final prototypes.
- Serve as a collaborative bridge between Inline Development and Innovation by collaborating with the Innovation Development Intern on seasonal projects.
- Manage competitor benchmarking and the documentation process.
- Oversee accurate data management for footwear quality, pricing, and production lead times within PLM systems, while helping collate development-specific data regarding the sustainability roadmap.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Valid work authorization for Switzerland or the EU.
- Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Sports Science, Design, or a related technical discipline.
- Highly self-motivated with a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset; comfortable taking initiative, navigating ambiguity, and driving solutions independently across a six-month commitment.
- Exceptionally organised and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on structured processes.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills in English, with confidence to interact, share updates, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across levels.
- Eager to solve technical footwear challenges with a strong affinity for shoemaking and technology.
- Highly organised and analytical, able to balance creativity with discipline in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluent in English with the ability to clearly summarise and present technical observations.
- Adaptable, collaborative team player who brings an entrepreneurial spirit to unexpected challenges.
Preferred Skills
- Sporting goods retail experience, run-related teammate or coach experience, or related experience.
Benefits & Perks
- Onboarding voucher and exclusive On product store credits for apparel, accessories, and footwear.
- Full access to mental wellbeing counselling and coaching via Kyan Health.
- Dedicated internship learning sessions and workshops.
- Comprehensive accident, disability, and income protection coverage.
- A supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with access to personal self-care for physical and mental wellbeing.
- An environment designed to support holistic development, staying active, learning, exploring, and innovating.
- Space to rest, recharge, and thrive holistically.
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