Lead - Athlete Strategy Manager, Global Ultra & Trail Running

Lead - Athlete Strategy Manager – Global Ultra & Trail Running

Location: Zurich 
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.
• Innova