Director, Product - HOKA Performance Apparel

About the Role

This role leads product strategy, line planning, and seasonal execution for HOKA’s global Performance Apparel business across Road and Trail. It owns the end-to-end product creation process, defining long-range vision and translating consumer, athlete, marketplace, and business insights into compelling product opportunities. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver best-in-class product experiences and storytelling that solve real runner needs and elevate the category globally. It reports to the Senior Director, Product - HOKA Apparel & Accessories.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and evolve global strategy for HOKA Performance Apparel across Road and Trail, partnering with senior leadership.
• Define category priorities, line architecture, seasonal opportunities, and long-range product direction using consumer, athlete, regional, marketplace, and financial insights.
• Lead product creation from opportunity identification and briefing through commercialisation and go-to-market readiness.
• Guide technical product decisions across fit, fabric, construction, layering systems, weather protection, race, training, and trail use cases.
• Partner with Design, Development, Materials, Costing, and Supply Chain to deliver consumer-right product that meets quality, margin, calendar, and brand expectations.
• Drive alignment across Merchandising, Design, Development, Sports Marketing, Regional teams, Retail Experience, Marketing, and Sales.
• Lead product storytelling and presentations at key GTM gates, translating strategic intent, consumer insight, and product value into clear stories.
• Create a regular practice of consumer engagement, athlete feedback, field testing, market travel, trend research, and competitor analysis, and translate the resulting insights into focused briefs, strategic recommendations, and product solutions that solve real runner needs.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Performance Apparel PLM team, setting clear priorities, expectations, ownership, and development plans.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, high-accountability team culture that reflects Deckers and HOKA values.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Product, Merchandising, Design, Business, Apparel/Textiles, or a related field required.
• 7-10 years of related product line management, merchandising, product creation, or category management experience required.
• Performance apparel product creation experience required.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and retain talent in a global or matrixed organisation required.
• Strong product judgment and deep knowledge of performance apparel, including technical fabrics, fit, construction, layering systems, weather protection, runner needs, and competitive market dynamics.
• Proven ability to translate consumer, athlete, marketplace, trend, and financial insights into clear strategy, actionable product briefs, and compelling product stories.
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate strategic direction, product value, and technical concepts with clarity and confidence.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, lead through ambiguity, balance competing priorities, make timely decisions, and drive results in a fast-paced global organisation.
• Proactive, self-motivated, highly accountable leader with strong business acumen, analytical thinking, organisational discipline, and comfort using Microsoft applications and collaborative work tools.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in running, outdoor, trail, activewear, or sport performance categories strongly preferred.
• Experience across men’s and women’s apparel preferred.
• Experience working with athletes, wear testing, technical materials, fit, and global GTM milestones preferred.

Workplace

• Portland, OR (Hybrid).
• Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday–Thursday.

Salary

• $154,700.00 - $208,800.00 Estimated minimum to maximum target for new hire salaries in Portland, Oregon.
• Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay and bonuses, with a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development and reward success.
• Financial planning and wellbeing support to help employees protect income, pay for expenses, and invest in the future.
• Time away from work to support family, health, and recharge.
• Extras, discounts, and perks, including generous discounts and community-based programs.
• Growth and development opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings to support a healthy lifestyle while at work and at play.

About the Company

Deckers Brands states that Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported as a whole person, at work and beyond. The company says this is how it continues to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around it. Deckers Brands celebrates diversity of background, experiences, and unique identity, and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees can Come as They Are and believes different perspectives make it Better Together.