Director, Design - HOKA Performance Footwear

Deckers•Portland, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Role As the Director, Performance Footwear Design - HOKA, you will lead the creative vision and design execution for HOKA’s Racing, Road, Trail, Training, and Hiking footwear categories. You’ll inspire breakthrough product concepts, elevate design craft, and shape the future expression of HOKA Performance Footwear. Your leadership will guide a team of designers in creating innovative, athlete-informed footwear solutions that blend performance, storytelling, and distinctive visual identity. You’ll collaborate across Product Management, Innovation, Development, Engineering, CMG, and Digital partners to translate consumer insight and emerging opportunities into industry-leading products. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial design, product design, or related field.
10+ years of footwear design experience, preferably across racing, road, trail, training, hiking, or outdoor performance categories.
3+ years leading, managing, or mentoring footwear designers.
Strong experience leading footwear from concept through commercialization.
Experience partnering across design, product, development, innovation, engineering, merchandising, and brand teams within a global product creation model.
Deep creative strength in footwear design, concept development, product storytelling, and visual expression.
Strong understanding of performance footwear needs across running, racing, trail, training, hiking, and outdoor use.
Ability to translate athlete insight, consumer need, and competitive landscape into distinctive product direction.
Strong knowledge of biomechanics, construction, proportion, midsole and outsole design, materials, fit, ride, and performance benefit.
Advanced technical drawing, visual communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to inspire teams through clear creative direction, constructive feedback, and high design standards.
Strong understanding of digital design tools and modern creative workflows, including 2D, 3D, and AI-enabled exploration.
Portfolio demonstrating creative excellence, performance problem solving, technical understanding, and product leadership.

Responsibilities

Define and drive the creative vision for HOKA Performance Footwear across Racing, Road, Trail, Training, and Hiking categories.
Create distinctive product concepts, design languages, branding, and franchise strategies that strengthen HOKA’s performance leadership.
Translate athlete insight, cultural shifts, and emerging opportunities into compelling product experiences.
Champion a “Best Possible” design mindset, balancing innovation, performance, usability, and aesthetic expression.
Partner with Color, Material, Graphic, and Digital teams to deliver cohesive and inspiring product stories.
Protect strong design intent across silhouette, proportion, details, construction, and athlete experience.
Inspire and develop a high-performing team of footwear designers through creative leadership, coaching, and mentorship.
Foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, craft, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Elevate team capability in concept creation, design storytelling, technical design, and innovation.
Partner with the Sr. Director to recruit, develop, and retain top design talent.
Create clarity around seasonal priorities, standards, reviews, and deliverables.
Partner across Product, Innovation, Development, Engineering, CMG, Digital, and Merchandising to bring category visions to life.
Influence briefs, innovation opportunities, and seasonal priorities through a design-led perspective.
Protect and elevate design intent from concept through commercialization.
Communicate compelling design narratives at key reviews and leadership forums.
Maintain a sharp view of the competitive landscape to inspire innovation and differentiation.