Principal Designer, Footwear - HOKA Innovation

About the Role

As Principal Designer, Footwear – HOKA Innovation, the role holder drives the creative exploration of what is next in performance footwear. The position involves collaborating with elite athletes, engineers, sports scientists, and developers to translate insights into innovative concepts and technologies. The role reports to the Senior Director, Design – HOKA Innovation, and sits within the HOKA Innovation team. The designer's energy, passion, and expertise are expected to help shape breakthrough solutions that transform athlete experiences and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Key Responsibilities

Design and engineer future performance footwear that blends innovation, athlete needs, and HOKA's design DNA.
Manage and drive innovation projects aligned to the HOKA innovation strategy, roadmap, and calendar.
Develop and refine accurate 2D and 3D design techpacks, renderings, and compelling product storytelling.
Collaborate with elite athletes and the HOKA sports science and testing team to test, iterate, and refine products.
Translate athlete and consumer insights into advanced concepts and radical product solutions.
Explore new materials, constructions, and aesthetics that bring meaningful newness to performance product.
Travel with the team for design, development, and inspiration trips to factories, tradeshows, and athlete events.
Contribute to HOKA global design strategy and seasonal direction, shaping progressive performance narratives.
Required Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in apparel, footwear, industrial, or transportation design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
8-10+ years of related performance footwear design experience.
Ability to lead by example, set a high creative standard, and inspire teammates through collaboration and constructive feedback.
Confidence working fast, generating provocative ideas, and visualising radical new concepts.
Ability to balance creativity and high design with technical manufacturing possibilities and constraints.
Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, ideation, and brainstorming skills.
Mastery of advanced digital AI co-creation design tools (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Rhino, Grasshopper, Blender, Clo, Keyshot, Gravity Sketch, Vizcom, Midjourney, Claude) and proficiency in Microsoft applications.
Ability to self-start, tinker, build, and prototype early concepts into tangible mockups and samples.
Advanced design thinking, creativity, and strategic approach, translating ambiguity into clear design direction.
Expertise in technical performance footwear, including materials, construction, fit, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
Deep care and understanding of sustainability and circularity concepts and practices.
Ability to manage complex projects, meetings, timelines, and competing priorities with organisation and attention to detail.
Ability to build and maintain a strong creative vision across projects and the industry landscape.
Ability to partner effectively with internal and external teams, including consumer insights, athlete science, design, testing, development, engineering, and agency partners.
Ability to create compelling narratives, presentations, and design stories for senior leadership and cross-functional partners.
Preferred Skills

1-3+ years of people management experience.
Workplace

Hybrid working, typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday to Thursday.
Salary

$137,500.00 – $185,600.00, The estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in Portland, Oregon.
Individual pay is 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 compensation programmes designed to foster career development and reward success.
Financial planning and wellbeing support, including plans to protect income, pay for expenses, and invest in the future.
Time away from work to be with family, focus on health, or recharge.
Extras, discounts, and perks, including generous discounts and community-based programmes.
Growth and development support, with extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
Comprehensive health and wellness programmes and offerings.
About the Company

Deckers Brands is committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees can Come as They Are, believing that bringing different perspectives to work makes the team truly Better Together.

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