Intern - Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern - Product Strategy

Company: On

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Job Type: INTERN

Category: Product Strategy / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-18T12:36:35

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Footwear Product Strategy team in a variety of strategic initiatives and operational processes.

• Act as a liaison between the product strategy team and key departments such as PR/Comms, Merchandising, Campaigns, Marketing, and Sales to drive internal alignment.

• Contribute to the validation and input of critical cross-functional product data, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

• Assist in the development of comprehensive product briefs, including meaningful product stories, concepts, range architecture, materials, and colorways.

• Enhance market intelligence by supporting the creation of trend reports and gathering consumer insights to inform product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an internship, the emphasis on cross-functional alignment, data validation, and brief creation suggests a role with operational responsibilities that bridge product development and go-to-market execution. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an aptitude for structured processes and data management, crucial for operations functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Product Strategy team in executing a range of tasks, projects, and operational processes within the footwear vertical.

• Assist in driving internal alignment and communication between the strategy team and other departments, ensuring smooth information flow and collaboration.

• Work closely with the team to validate and input critical cross-functional product data, maintaining a centralized and accurate repository.

• Contribute to the creation of clear and compelling product briefs, detailing product stories, concepts, range architecture, materials, and color palettes.

• Support the team in building meaningful trend reports and gathering consumer insights to deepen market understanding and inform strategic decisions.

• Maintain rigorous sample tracking and coordination processes, ensuring timely delivery and organization of product samples.

• Manage the delivery of product samples to internal partners, sales teams, or campaign collaborators as required, ensuring efficient logistics.

• Assist in communicating product updates and strategic decisions to various internal stakeholders, fostering transparency and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic support and operational execution. The emphasis on "validating and inputting critical cross functional product data" and "sample tracking and coordination" points to foundational operations tasks that ensure the product strategy is effectively implemented and communicated.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not listed, candidates pursuing or holding a degree in Business, Marketing, Product Management, Design, or a related field are likely to be well-suited. A strong academic record demonstrating analytical and communication skills is expected.

Experience: Candidates should have 0-2 years of experience, with a preference for those who have undertaken internships or projects involving product strategy, market research, or project coordination. Experience within the footwear, sports, or fashion industries is a significant plus.

Required Skills:

• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, essential for managing multiple projects and data points.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear articulation of ideas and information to diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to be a self-starter, proactively seeking information, providing constructive feedback, and solving problems independently.

• Passion for culture, with a demonstrated knowledge of footwear, design, tennis, training, and general collaborations.

• Highly organized with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.

• Excellent relationship-building skills, crucial for effective collaboration both internally and externally.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems or similar data management tools.

• Experience in market research, competitive analysis, or consumer insight gathering.

• Basic understanding of product development processes and cross-functional team dynamics.

• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, basic Tableau/Power BI).

• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "self-starter," "asks questions, provides clear feedback and solves problems," and "highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders" are key indicators of the operational mindset required. This role is positioned as a support function that requires proactive problem-solving and meticulous execution, common in operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of projects where organizational skills were critical to success, highlighting process management and execution.

• Examples of creating clear and concise documentation, such as project plans, briefs, or reports, showcasing attention to detail and communication clarity.

• Case studies or project summaries that illustrate problem-solving abilities and initiative in improving processes or outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation may not be expected for an intern, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would approach documenting processes related to sample tracking, data input, or brief creation within a product strategy context.

• Ability to articulate the importance of standardized processes for maintaining data integrity and ensuring efficient workflow.

• Readiness to learn and adapt to On's existing process frameworks for product development and strategy execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio requirements will focus more on demonstrating potential and foundational skills rather than completed operational frameworks. The emphasis is on showcasing organizational capabilities, problem-solving aptitude, and the ability to learn and apply structured approaches to tasks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship position based in Zurich, Switzerland, a competitive internship salary is expected. Based on industry standards for internships in Switzerland and the tech/apparel sector, a range of CHF 2,000 - CHF 3,500 per month is a reasonable estimate, depending on the intern's year of study and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

• Personal Self-care for Physical and Mental Well-being

• Supportive Team-oriented Atmosphere

• Growth and Development Tools

• Opportunity to work with industry-leading product development and strategy teams.

• Hands-on experience in a dynamic and fast-paced global brand.

• Exposure to product creation processes within the athletic footwear industry.

Working Hours: The role is expected to involve approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time internship. Flexibility may be available, but core working hours will likely align with the Product Strategy team's schedule to facilitate collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general internship compensation trends in Zurich, Switzerland, and the specific industry. Benefits are drawn from the provided AI data and contextualized for an intern role. The "Growth and Development Tools" are particularly relevant for an internship, suggesting opportunities for learning and skill enhancement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear & Apparel, Technology, Retail. On is a rapidly growing global brand known for its innovative running shoes and apparel, blending performance, design, and sustainability. The company operates at the intersection of sports science, product engineering, and consumer lifestyle.

Company Size: On is a significant global player, likely employing hundreds to thousands of individuals worldwide. This size indicates a well-established structure with defined departments and processes, but still retaining a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit characteristic of growth-stage companies.

Founded: On was founded in 2010. This relatively young age means the company culture is likely energetic, forward-thinking, and focused on innovation and disruption within the established sportswear market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy team is a core function, likely comprising experienced Product Managers, Strategists, and Analysts.

• Interns will report to a designated manager or senior team member who will guide their projects and development.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely paramount, with a focus on consumer insights, market trends, and performance metrics to inform product strategy.

• A strong emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement in product design and development processes.

• Agile and iterative approaches may be employed to adapt to market changes and consumer demands.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key to ensuring alignment and successful product launches.

Company Website: https://www.on.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on innovation and its rapid growth suggest a culture that values proactive individuals who can contribute to evolving processes. The "supportive team-oriented atmosphere" combined with the need for "self-starters" indicates an environment where initiative is encouraged within a collaborative framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an internship, representing an entry-level position or a stepping stone for individuals with 0-2 years of experience. It's an opportunity to gain foundational knowledge and practical experience in product strategy and operations within a leading sports brand.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a member of the Footwear Product Strategy team, likely a Product Manager or Senior Product Strategist. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to experienced professionals in the field.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is developmental, the support provided to the Product Strategy team contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of product decision-making. By ensuring data accuracy, facilitating communication, and supporting insight generation, the intern plays a role in helping On create industry-leading footwear collections that align with consumer needs and market trends.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to develop a strong understanding of product strategy, market analysis, and consumer behavior within the athletic footwear industry.

• Gain practical experience in cross-functional collaboration, project management, and data validation – skills transferable to many operations roles.

• Learn about product lifecycle management and the process of bringing innovative products to market.

• Potential for networking within a dynamic global company, which could lead to future career opportunities.

• Develop essential soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management within a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around gaining operational experience and developing core competencies essential for future roles in product management, marketing, or general operations. The emphasis on "cross-functional collaboration" and "data validation" directly aligns with operational skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative workspace where in-person interaction, team meetings, and spontaneous discussions are encouraged.

Office Location(s): Zurich, Switzerland. This location is On's headquarters, offering a vibrant and international work environment within a major European city. The office is likely equipped with modern amenities to support employee well-being and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting designed to foster teamwork and open communication among departments.

• Access to necessary tools and technology to support product strategy, data analysis, and project management tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Product Strategy team and other cross-functional colleagues, supporting learning and integration.

• A dynamic environment where innovation and a passion for sport and product are prevalent.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment in Switzerland. While core hours will be important for team collaboration, there might be some flexibility offered, as is common in modern workplaces, to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature of the internship is crucial for operations roles, as it implies direct engagement with team members, access to physical resources, and immersion in the company's operational workflows and culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and any supplementary materials to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Interview: Typically a conversation with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss your background, motivation, and understanding of On and the Product Strategy intern role. This stage will likely focus on your soft skills, cultural fit, and initial understanding of the industry.

• Case Study/Project Presentation: You may be asked to complete a short case study or prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic (e.g., a trend analysis, a product concept, a market insight). This assesses your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A discussion with additional team members or leadership to further evaluate your fit, skills, and potential contributions. This might include behavioral questions and deeper dives into your experience.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Operations-Adjacent Skills: Since this is an internship, focus on projects that demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication.

• Showcase Process Thinking: Even if not formal operations projects, present work where you managed tasks, tracked progress, or analyzed information systematically. Explain your process and the outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the impact of your work, even in academic or previous internship projects.

• Tailor to On: Research On's products, brand values, and recent initiatives. Frame your experiences and portfolio items to show how you align with their culture and mission.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your portfolio items in detail, explaining your role, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand On's Business: Research On's product lines, target markets, competitors, and recent news.

• Product & Trend Acumen: Be prepared to discuss current trends in footwear, sports, and culture. Think about how these trends might influence product strategy.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a specific task, such as gathering competitor information or identifying consumer needs.

• Communication & Collaboration: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with different teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review advice are tailored to an internship level, emphasizing foundational skills relevant to operations. The focus is on demonstrating potential, a structured approach, and a proactive attitude rather than extensive operational experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Information Management (PIM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: While not explicitly stated, interns may interact with or learn about systems used to manage product data, specifications, and workflows.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be used for task tracking, project coordination, and workflow management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis, and basic reporting.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating trend reports, product briefs, and stakeholder updates.

• Market Research Tools: Potential exposure to tools used for gathering consumer insights and market trend analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While less direct for this role, understanding the principles of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and how product strategy aligns with sales and marketing efforts will be beneficial.

• Basic familiarity with data entry and maintaining data integrity within relevant systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for an intern will focus on commonly used productivity and collaboration tools. The emphasis is on the ability to learn new systems and apply foundational data management and analytical skills, which are core to operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to push boundaries and create industry-leading products through creative thinking and strategic planning.

• Consumer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of athletes and consumers, using insights to guide product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on market research, consumer insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic choices and product roadmaps.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where different departments work together seamlessly, sharing information and aligning on goals to achieve collective success.

• Passion for Sport & Performance: A genuine enthusiasm for athletic performance, design excellence, and the active lifestyle that On represents.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach where product strategy is developed and executed in close partnership with design, development, marketing, sales, and communications teams.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for sharing constructive feedback to refine product concepts, strategies, and processes.

• Agile & Iterative: Willingness to adapt strategies and plans based on new insights, market feedback, and evolving consumer demands.

• Shared Ownership: A sense that product success is a collective achievement, encouraging proactive contribution from all involved team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and collaboration style are crucial for operations professionals who need to understand how strategic goals translate into team behaviors and cross-functional execution. The emphasis on "data-driven," "collaboration," and "consumer centricity" are hallmarks of effective GTM and product operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Supporting the creation of novel products while ensuring they can be efficiently produced and brought to market at scale.

• Information Synthesis: Managing and synthesizing large volumes of data from various sources (consumer insights, market trends, internal feedback) to derive actionable strategies.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and priorities to ensure unified product strategy execution across the organization.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Keeping pace with fast-changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes in the athletic footwear industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Product Strategy: Gaining hands-on experience in market analysis, consumer segmentation, and product roadmap development.

• Operational Process Exposure: Learning about the operational workflows involved in product development, from concept to sample management and launch communication.

• Industry Insights: Developing a comprehensive understanding of the global athletic footwear market, key players, and emerging trends.

• Skill Enhancement: Improving critical skills such as data analysis, project management, stakeholder communication, and presentation.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced professionals in product strategy and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight areas where operational excellence is critical for success. The focus on "information synthesis" and "cross-departmental alignment" directly relates to the core functions of revenue and sales operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach gathering and synthesizing consumer insights for a new product line?" (Focus on systematic research, data sources, and analytical frameworks.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize and ensure successful completion?" (Highlight organizational skills, time management, and proactive problem-solving.)

• "Imagine you need to communicate a complex product update to different departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing). How would you tailor your message and ensure everyone understands?" (Emphasize clear communication, stakeholder analysis, and adaptability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in On, and what specifically about our brand resonates with you?" (Research On's mission, values, and recent product launches.)

• "How do you approach working in a team, especially with individuals from different departments?" (Discuss collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Describe your understanding of a 'self-starter' in a professional context." (Provide examples of taking initiative and solving problems proactively.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key skills or project types (e.g., Organization & Process Management, Data Analysis & Insights, Cross-functional Collaboration).

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the actions you took (emphasizing your process and skills), and the outcome or learnings.

• Quantify: Use metrics and data to demonstrate impact whenever possible.

• Showcase Operations Aptitude: Focus on examples that highlight your ability to manage tasks, organize information, solve problems systematically, and communicate effectively.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and how you would apply your learnings in a real-world scenario at On.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing the candidate's foundational operational skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit for an internship role within a fast-paced, product-focused company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent product strategy internship:

• Submit your application through the provided greenhouse.io link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Curate Your Resume: Highlight experiences and skills that demonstrate strong organizational abilities, communication prowess, problem-solving initiatives, and any exposure to product, marketing, or market research. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare a Concise Portfolio: If requested or if you have relevant projects, create a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, presentation) showcasing examples of your organizational skills, analytical work, or collaborative projects. Focus on demonstrating process thinking and attention to detail.

• Research On Thoroughly: Understand On's brand, mission, product lines, and recent marketing campaigns. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and this specific role.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be ready to clearly articulate your motivations for seeking this internship, your understanding of the role, and how your skills and passion align with On's values and objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.