Principal Designer, Apparel - HOKA Innovation

Deckers Brands•Portland, OR

2d•$137,500 - $185,600•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. As Principal Designer, Apparel – HOKA Innovation, you’ll drive the creative exploration of what’s next in performance apparel. You’ll collaborate with elite athletes, engineers, sports scientists, and developers to translate insights into innovative concepts and technologies. Your energy, passion, and expertise will help shape breakthrough solutions that transform athlete experiences and push the boundaries of what’s possible. 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 degree in apparel, footwear, industrial, transportation design, or equivalent combination of education and experience
8-10+ years of related performance apparel design experience
1-3+ years of people management experience preferred
Lead by example, set a high creative standard, and inspire teammates through collaboration and constructive feedback
Confident working fast, generating provocative ideas, and visualizing radical new concepts
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 apparel, including materials, construction, fit, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing
Deep care and understanding of sustainability and circularity concepts and practices
Manage complex projects, meetings, timelines, and competing priorities with organization and attention to detail
Build and maintain a strong creative vision across projects and industry landscape
Partner effectively with internal and external teams, including consumer insights, athlete science, design, testing, development, engineering, and agency partners
Create compelling narratives, presentations, and design stories for senior leadership and cross-functional partners
Obsess athletes, consumers, markets, and trends, translating insights into relevant, progressive performance product
Highly motivated team player and self-starter with a curious, growth mindset and focus on continuous learning

Responsibilities

Design and engineer future performance apparel 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