About this Senior Lead - Distributor Retail Strategy & Operations role at On
In Short:
Support the development of the fastest-growing global sports brand in scaling our retail footprint to new heights. Are you a strategic thinker with the operational rigor to turn a high-level vision into reality? Do you thrive at the intersection of retail operations, cross-functional alignment, and commercial execution?
We are looking for a highly driven Program Manager - Global Distributor-led Store Business to shape how our brand comes to life across our global partner networks. In this role, you will serve as the bridge between global strategy and local market execution, ensuring our distributor-led stores deliver a premium, consistent, and commercially successful customer experience.
Your Mission:
- Drive the global Distributor-led (DMS) store strategy based on the Global Retail strategy forward, acting as the central engine from high-level strategic planning to physical, in-store execution
- Partner closely with Global and Regional Retail teams to design and implement scalable operating frameworks that align distributor market operations with our core brand principles.
- Seamlessly create and adapt DTC Retail playbooks for distributor-led stores. You will drive cross-market alignment, fostering a culture of shared learnings and best practices across global partners.
- Standardize global KPIs and reporting. You will consolidate market insights and distributor performance trends into actionable data for global stakeholders, driving informed decision-making on local, regional and global level.
- Take proactive ownership of global retail standards, helping regional teams identify and quickly resolve in-store execution and operational gaps in alignment with cross-functional partners.
Your Story:
- You bring 6+ years of professional experience in retail operations, distributor-led (DMS) retail, franchise management, or partner-led business models within a global consumer brand.
- You are highly skilled in project management with a proven track record of designing scalable retail playbooks, operational frameworks, and standardized SOPs that external partners can seamlessly adopt.
- You possess exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills. You can easily collaborate with, influence, and build trust among cross-functional teams, regional leads, and external distributors to drive compliance without relying on formal authority
- You combine a highly structured, analytical mindset with a hands-on approach. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and are just as passionate about resolving in-store execution gaps as you are about designing long-term market expansion strategies.
- Your home base will be Zurich. You are fully proficient in English, both written and spoken, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse cultures.
Your Team:
Our Retail team is at the forefront of bringing our brand to life in the physical world. We are a fast-paced, highly collaborative group of creators, strategists, and operators dedicated to delivering premium consumer experiences. As we rapidly scale our global footprint, the Distributor-led (DMS) team plays a critical role in unlocking new markets and ensuring our brand standards are uncompromising, no matter where in the world our consumers find us. We believe in high autonomy, relentless innovation, and succeeding together.
What we offer:
On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose.
On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.
