Lead - Athlete Strategy Manager, Global Ultra & Trail Running
On, Portland, OR, United States
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 sport 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 cross‑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
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.
Leverage your network to identify potential targets and engage them for our brand.
Collaborate 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.
Partner with the Regional Marketing Teams to design and implement innovative, disruptive programs that engage ultra and trail runners.
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.
Contribute to the development of new projects and initiatives designed to elevate On’s position in the ultra and trail running space.
Work across marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure athletes and initiatives align with broader brand goals.
Monitor and report on athlete performance at major global events, tracking metrics such as podium finishes, top placements, and media engagement.
Qualifications
Strong network in Ultra & Trail Running with established relationships with key athletes, coaches, and athlete representatives.
Proven athlete management skills and experience working directly with athletes in the Trail & Ultra space.
Creative mindset capable of generating new, disruptive ideas to engage the ultra and trail running communities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with global marketing, sales, product teams, and the Athlete Strategy & Partnerships team.
Passion for Ultra & Trail Running; deep understanding of the sport and its challenges.
Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholder expectations.
Willingness to travel frequently (approximately 15‑20 trips annually, both domestic and international).
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.
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Your mission
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.
Leverage your network to identify potential targets and engage them for our brand.
Collaborate 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.
Partner with the Regional Marketing Teams to design and implement innovative, disruptive programs that engage ultra and trail runners.
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.
Contribute to the development of new projects and initiatives designed to elevate On’s position in the ultra and trail running space.
Work across marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure athletes and initiatives align with broader brand goals.
Monitor and report on athlete performance at major global events, tracking metrics such as podium finishes, top placements, and media engagement.
Qualifications
Strong network in Ultra & Trail Running with established relationships with key athletes, coaches, and athlete representatives.
Proven athlete management skills and experience working directly with athletes in the Trail & Ultra space.
Creative mindset capable of generating new, disruptive ideas to engage the ultra and trail running communities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with global marketing, sales, product teams, and the Athlete Strategy & Partnerships team.
Passion for Ultra & Trail Running; deep understanding of the sport and its challenges.
Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholder expectations.
Willingness to travel frequently (approximately 15‑20 trips annually, both domestic and international).
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr