Director Design Basketball Footwear

Puma North America•Westford, MA

10d

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%

Nice To Haves

Master's preferred

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