📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Lead - Communications, ESG and Social Impact
🔹 Company: On
🔹 Location: Zürich, Switzerland
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Communications, ESG, Social Impact
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic planning and execution of ESG and social impact communications
- Aligning communications with company values and objectives
- Leading and managing projects and teams
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and project management skills. It is ideal for an experienced communications professional looking to make a significant impact on a growing company's ESG and social impact initiatives.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Oversee communications related to ESG and social impact initiatives
✅ Develop and implement strategic communication plans
✅ Manage and mentor a team of communications professionals
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging
✅ Monitor and report on ESG and social impact performance metrics
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of ESG and social impact issues, as well as the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging communications.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in communications, with a focus on ESG and social impact
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Strong strategic planning and execution abilities
- Familiarity with ESG and social impact reporting frameworks
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with sustainability reporting standards (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD)
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience in the retail or footwear industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in ESG and social impact communications, as well as a strong understanding of sustainability reporting standards, will be particularly well-suited to this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CHF 120,000 - 160,000 per year (based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Dynamic and innovative work environment
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (flexible based on business needs)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior communications role in Zürich. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: On is a premium running shoe and sportswear brand, operating in the competitive retail industry.
Company Size: On has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: On was founded in 2010, with a mission to "ignite the human spirit through movement."
Company Description:
- On is a design-led company, focusing on innovation and premium quality products
- The company operates globally, with headquarters in Zürich and offices across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia
- On is committed to sustainability and social impact, with a focus on reducing its environmental footprint and positively impacting communities
Company Specialties:
- Performance Running
- Running Footwear
- Apparel and Accessories
- Innovation and Design
- Technology
- Sustainability
- Diversity and Inclusion
Company Website: www.on.com
ASSUMPTION: On's commitment to sustainability and social impact makes this role an excellent fit for candidates passionate about creating positive change in the retail industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Head of Communications or a similar executive
Reporting Structure: This role may oversee a team of communications professionals, depending on the company's organizational structure
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position, with opportunities for remote work based on business needs and team dynamics
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a more senior role, such as Head of Communications or a similar executive position
- Opportunities to expand responsibilities based on the company's growth and evolving needs
- Chance to develop leadership and management skills through team oversight and mentorship
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities and advance their career within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On's Zürich headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity
Office Location(s): Förrlibuckstrasse 190, Zürich, 8005, CH
Geographic Context:
- Zürich is a major financial hub and global city, offering a high quality of life and vibrant cultural scene
- The city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with the Swiss Alps and numerous lakes nearby
- Zürich has a diverse and multicultural population, with a strong international business community
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with flexible hours based on business needs and team dynamics
ASSUMPTION: On's Zürich headquarters provides a dynamic and innovative work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call interview with the HR team
- In-person or video call interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Head of Communications or a similar executive
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning skills
- Leadership and management abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of ESG and social impact issues
- Cultural fit with On's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Highlight your experience with ESG and social impact communications, as well as any relevant sustainability reporting experience
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your strategic planning and execution skills, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging communications
ATS Keywords: ESG, social impact, communications, strategic planning, project management, leadership, sustainability reporting, cross-functional teams
ASSUMPTION: On's application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, as well as their cultural fit with the company's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on the company's organizational structure and the candidate's specific responsibilities.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Performance
- Design
- Impact
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and design-led
- Focused on creating positive impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align your work with On's mission to "ignite the human spirit through movement"?
- How do you approach strategic planning and execution in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
- How do you foster collaboration and innovation within a team?
ASSUMPTION: On values candidates who are passionate about its mission, innovative and design-led approach, and commitment to creating positive impact.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating a global organization with diverse teams and time zones
- Balancing the need for strategic planning with the need for quick decision-making and execution
- Adapting to a company culture that values innovation and design, while also focusing on sustainability and social impact
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common in a senior leadership role within a growing and innovative company like On.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional communications roles, this position focuses specifically on ESG and social impact initiatives
- In the retail industry, this role is unique in its focus on sustainability and social impact, rather than purely marketing or branding efforts
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a Head of Communications or similar executive position, or transition to a more specialized role within the ESG and social impact field
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to focus on ESG and social impact communications within the retail industry, with potential for growth and specialization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic communication plan for On's annual sustainability report
- Managing a team to create engaging content for On's social media channels, highlighting its sustainability and social impact initiatives
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging around On's ESG and social impact goals and achievements
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic planning, execution, and collaboration required for this role, as well as the focus on ESG and social impact communications.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into On's overall communications strategy, and how will it support the company's mission and values?
- What are the most pressing ESG and social impact challenges facing On, and how can this role help address them?
- How does On support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What is the expected timeline for this role to make a significant impact on On's ESG and social impact initiatives?
- How does On foster collaboration and innovation within its communications team, and across the organization?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of On's mission, values, and ESG and social impact goals, as well as their ability to make a significant impact in the role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Greenhouse link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with ESG and social impact communications, as well as your strategic planning and execution skills
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging communications
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
