Director Design Basketball Footwear

PUMA

4d

About The Position

PUMA is seeking a visionary and strategic Director Design for Basketball Footwear to lead the creative direction and product innovation for our basketball category. This role is responsible for driving athlete-informed design, integrating cultural relevance, and delivering performance-driven products that elevate our brand in the basketball space.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in footwear design, with a strong focus on performance or basketball categories
• 7 years of leadership experience managing design teams and cross-functional collaboration
• Deep understanding of basketball culture, athlete needs, and footwear innovation
• Strong portfolio showcasing performance footwear design and storytelling
• Excellent communication, presentation, and project management skills
• Domestic & International Travel required - up to 40%

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the long-term design vision and seasonal strategies for basketball footwear
• Oversee the full design process from concept to final product, ensuring alignment with performance, brand, and market goals
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product line management, sports marketing, engineering, and merchandising
• Mentor and manage a team of designers, fostering creativity, technical excellence, and professional growth
• Integrate athlete feedback, trend research, and consumer insights into design decisions
• Ensure innovation in materials, construction, and sustainability within the basketball category
• Present design concepts and product stories to senior leadership and external partners
• Maintain awareness of competitive landscape and emerging trends in basketball culture and performance

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits (Benefit Summary Corporate)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees