Lead - Athlete Strategy Manager, Global Ultra & Trail Running

Lead - Athlete Strategy Manager – Global Ultra & Trail Running

Location: Zurich or Portland, with travel required
Department: Global Athlete Strategy & Partnership
Reports to: Senior Lead Athlete Management – Triathlon & Trail

 

Summary

This role will play a pivotal role in shaping On’s strategy within the ultra and trail running spaces. As a Lead / Athlete Strategy Manager - Global Ultra & Trail, you oversee the whole sports of Trail & Ultra from the athlete’s perspective. You own our athlete trail strategy by identifying athletes, leading negotiations and the whole process of “winning” them for our brand and partnering with them during their tenure with On. You act as a middle point between the different x-functional teams on behalf of our athletes, i.e. product development (Footwear, Apparel, Accessories), Marketing (Storytelling, Social, Events), Product Verticals (Outdoor), PR and the regions. You secure 100% compliant servicing for our athletes. Your goal is to make our athletes more successful and continue to win in the field of Trail & Ultra for our brand - and create compelling stories on products + athletes together with the key departments internally and externally.

 

Your Mission: 

• Athlete Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with On’s ultra and trail athletes, as well as Athlete Representatives. Act as a primary point of contact for athlete needs, ensuring they are supported in all aspects of their careers. Your strong network allows you to identify potential targets and engage them for our brand.
• Collaboration with Global Athlete Strategy & Partnership Team: Work closely with the Global Athlete Strategy & Partnership Team to ensure athletes are being serviced properly and aligned with On’s global objectives. Share key athlete insights and feedback to help improve athlete partnerships and On’s offerings. Secure strong integration of Athlete content and activation in alignment with our Athlete Integration Department. 
• Execution of Athlete-Driven Programs: Partner with the Regional Marketing Teams to design and implement innovative, disruptive programs that engage ultra and trail runners. Focus on initiatives that foster athlete growth and build On’s brand presence in the ultra and trail running communities.
• Event Integration & Activation: Help integrate athletes into key global events (e.g., UTMB, Western States, Golden Trail Finals, World Championships, DDF), ensuring proper athlete support, brand activation, and visibility at these events. Collaborate with the marketing and integration teams to drive athlete-centric content and activations around these races.
• Strategic Project Development: Contribute to the development of new projects and initiatives designed to elevate On’s position in the ultra and trail running space. Leverage athlete insights and performance data to create disruptive ideas that capture attention in the sport.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with On’s marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure athletes and initiatives align with broader brand goals. Foster internal collaboration to ensure athletes’ needs are met, and brand initiatives are executed effectively.
• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Monitor and report on athlete performance at major global events, tracking metrics such as podium finishes, top placements, and media engagement. Provide regular updates on athlete performance, engagement metrics, and the impact of marketing initiatives.

Your Story: 

• Strong Network in Ultra & Trail Running: Established relationships with key athletes, coaches, and athlete representatives in the ultra and trail running communities, with a deep understanding of the competitive landscape.
• Proven Athlete Management Skills: Experience working directly with athletes, ideally already in the space of Trail & Ultra, ensuring their needs are met and their careers are supported. Ability to manage athlete relationships in a professional and efficient manner.
• Innovative Thinking: A creative mindset capable of generating new, disruptive ideas to engage the ultra and trail running communities. Comfort with experimentation and risk-taking in developing new programs and partnerships.
• Collaboration Across Teams: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with global marketing, sales, product teams, and the Athlete Strategy & Partnerships team. Ability to foster cross-functional relationships and integrate athlete objectives into broader brand strategies.
• Passion for Ultra & Trail Running: A passion for the sport of ultra and trail running, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these disciplines. First-hand experience in the sport, or a strong connection to the competitive running community, is a plus.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel frequently for athlete events, activations, and partnership development (approximately 15-20 trips annually, both domestic and international).

Key Success Metrics:

• Athlete Performance: Tangible improvements in On’s athlete performances at major ultra and trail running events, including top placements at UTMB, Western States, Golden Trail Finals, World Championships, DDF, and other key races.
• Brand Affinity & Awareness: Growth in On’s brand recognition and affinity within the ultra and trail running communities, measured through digital engagement metrics, event activations, and audience growth among outdoor athletes.
• Athlete Engagement & Retention: Positive feedback from athletes regarding the level of support they receive, with a focus on long-term athlete development and retention. Growth in the number of athletes engaging with On’s global initiatives and programs.
• Event Integration & Activation: Successful execution of athlete activations at key events, with measurable outcomes such as increased social media impressions, media coverage, and brand visibility at races.
• Program Impact: Successful implementation and growth of athlete-driven initiatives that engage both current and new athletes, resulting in measurable increases in athlete signings, brand collaborations, and fan engagement.

 

About On

On is a leading performance running brand known for its innovative approach to running shoes, apparel, and gear. We are dedicated to creating the best running experience for athletes of all levels, from beginners to elite competitors. Join us and become part of a dynamic team working at the intersection of sport, performance, and innovation.

This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to On’s growth in the ultra and trail running space, playing a key part in the development of global athlete strategies and driving forward-thinking initiatives that elevate both athletes and the brand. If you're passionate about ultra and trail running and want to help shape the future of On in this exciting sport, we encourage you to apply.