Lead Product Developer - HOKA Innovation

At Deckers Brands, 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. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us. Job Title: Lead Product Developer - HOKA InnovationReports to: Principal Product Developer - HOKA Innovation Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – ThursdayThe RoleAs Lead Product Developer – HOKA Innovation, you’ll help shape the next generation of footwear by translating athlete needs into advanced product opportunities. You’ll lead the development of breakthrough concepts from ideation to performance-validated prototypes, collaborating with a team of innovators to transform athlete experiences through radical product solutions.We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.Your ImpactDevelop next-generation footwear concepts, from ideation to performance-validated prototypesSupport HOKA Innovation team members through rapid prototyping with a hands-on approachCreate systematic samples and experiments to iterate toward target performance metricsConnect athlete problems to novel constructions, manufacturing techniques, and advanced materialsBring an entrepreneurial mindset, continuously seeking new ways to create product differentiation and define new business modelsGuide cross-functional creation teams to shape radical concepts from raw insights, ensuring clear hypotheses and goalsCreate and communicate short- and long-term project plans, ensuring projects meet business needs and athlete performance targetsDrive critical path activities and solve problems to reach the next milestone of innovation readinessEstablish trusted relationships and communication channels with product teams and sourcing partners to understand business landscape, product gaps, and opportunities for innovationPartner with inline Product Development teams to successfully transition concepts for commercializationFacilitate strong connections with sports marketing counterparts and athletes to build insightsScout, vet, and onboard new vendors and technology partners—local and global—to stay ahead of industry trendsWho You AreBachelor’s degree required; Master’s, MBA, or PhD preferredAny function-related certifications preferred6+ years progressive experience in the footwear industry for a global companyExperience leading projects with global development teams, including Asia factories and suppliersExamples of innovative product creation, beyond briefed or seasonal productCreatively agile and adept in innovative thinking, vision, and problem solvingCuriosity to uncover new possibilities and solution spacesAbility to realize ideas through tangible demonstrators and prototypesKnowledge of fundamental athletic footwear constructions, materials, and manufacturing processesProficiency in footwear development leading cross-functional creation teams, including Asia sourcing teams and vendorsSystematic approaches to prototyping creation and testing, optimizing product features by designing sample matrixes and testing plansEmpathetic and inclusive approach to teamwork, mentorship, and partnershipsAbility to work well and adapt with a diverse range of personality types and working styles across cultures and geographiesWillingness to embrace new creation approaches and philosophiesProven ability to concisely articulate success criteria for a projectAbility to create and track clear project plans with near-term objectives week-to-weekSupport, encourage, and motivate global development and cross-functional project teamsWhat We'll Give You – Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extrasGrowth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.$108,700.00 - $146,700.00The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in: Portland, OregonIndividual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.