About the job
Lead – Athlete Manager
Location: Nairobi or Zurich, with travel required
Department: Global Athlete Strategy & Partnership
Reports to: Head of Athlete Management
Role Overview:
This key position is instrumental in defining On’s athlete strategy across Africa, a vital hub for global distance running. As the Lead – Athlete Manager, you will oversee athlete partnerships in the region, ensuring our athletes receive exceptional support while cultivating robust, long-term relationships with them and their representatives.
You will be responsible for managing our Kenya Training Camp, guaranteeing it functions as a premier environment for athlete development, while nurturing relationships with athletes, coaches, and the broader local running community. This role involves identifying and recruiting emerging talent, leading athlete negotiations, and collaborating with athletes throughout their journey with On.
As a central liaison between athletes and internal cross-functional teams, including Product Development (Footwear, Apparel, Accessories), Marketing (Storytelling, Social, Events), Product Verticals, PR, and Regional Teams, your objective is to facilitate athlete success at the highest competition levels while crafting engaging athlete and product narratives that bolster On’s reputation in the global running arena.
Your Mission
- Athlete Relationship Management: Develop and sustain strong, trusting relationships with On’s athletes across Africa, their coaches, and representatives. Serve as the main point of contact for athlete needs, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their careers. Manage athlete communications, career development discussions, and partnership assistance while maintaining a network conducive to identifying new talent for the brand.
- Collaboration with Global Athlete Strategy & Partnership Team: Lead the strategic management and development of On’s Kenya Training Camp, ensuring it provides a world-class training environment for elite athletes. Foster strong relationships with local coaches, training groups, and community stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and a high-performance culture. Utilize the camp as a central hub for athlete support, collaboration, and talent cultivation.
- Execution of Athlete-Driven Programs: Coordinate and implement athlete-focused programs that align with On’s mission and values.
