Senior Designer, Innovation (Performance Footwear)

VF Corporation•Denver, CO

About The Position

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture - visit VF Careers or www.vfc.com. What will you do? A day in the life of a Senior Innovation Designer – Performance Footwear at VF looks a little like this. This role sits within our Innovation, Advanced Concepts, and Performance Footwear teams and supports global product creation efforts. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Materials, Sports Science, Product Creation, Testing, and Design partners. At its core, this position shapes the future of performance footwear—leading complex innovation projects that turn bold ideas into validated, athletic-driven solutions. This role reports to the VP of Innovation. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. Lead multiphase innovation projects from early insights through validated concept hand-off to Product Creation teams. Identify long term opportunities and help shape the multiyear innovation roadmap for performance footwear. Drive early experimentation—forming hypotheses, designing tests, and validating performance claims. Create original, high impact concepts across cushioning, traction, uppers, fit systems, and emerging technologies. Transform athlete insights, biomechanics data, and material advancements into breakthrough performance solutions. Build and direct the creation of advanced prototypes using 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, experimental materials, and hands-on methods. Partner with engineering, materials, and sports science to evaluate functional performance and refine concepts. • Lead cross functional teams and serve as the design voice for complex, multidisciplinary innovation initiatives. • Mentor junior designers and elevate the team’s design thinking, prototyping skills, and technical rigor. • Present concepts to executives, category leaders, and cross functional teams with clarity and compelling storytelling.

Requirements

Strong background in Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering, Biomechanics, or a related field.
Proven experience leading innovation projects and delivering performance driven solutions in ambiguous environments.
Expert level sketching, form development, visualization, and 3D modeling using tools such as Rhino, SolidWorks, Alias, Blender, or Fusion.
Strong prototyping skills—ranging from digital methods to hands on model making and experimental builds.
Ability to translate athlete insights, biomechanical data, and engineering input into actionable design direction.
Strong cross functional leadership skills and comfort working with engineering, sports science, materials, and athlete testing teams.
Exceptional storytelling skills—clearly communicating vision, impact, and rationale to leaders and partners.
Ability to manage complex projects, guide decision making, and drive alignment across teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience delivering patented or category defining products.
Deep understanding of performance testing, biomechanics, and athlete insights
Background in advanced materials, cushioning platforms, digital manufacturing, or computational design.
Ability to connect high level strategy with hands on execution and technical prototyping.

Responsibilities

Lead multiphase innovation projects from early insights through validated concept hand-off to Product Creation teams.
Identify long term opportunities and help shape the multiyear innovation roadmap for performance footwear.
Drive early experimentation—forming hypotheses, designing tests, and validating performance claims.
Create original, high impact concepts across cushioning, traction, uppers, fit systems, and emerging technologies.
Transform athlete insights, biomechanics data, and material advancements into breakthrough performance solutions.
Build and direct the creation of advanced prototypes using 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, experimental materials, and hands-on methods.
Partner with engineering, materials, and sports science to evaluate functional performance and refine concepts.
Lead cross functional teams and serve as the design voice for complex, multidisciplinary innovation initiatives.
Mentor junior designers and elevate the team’s design thinking, prototyping skills, and technical rigor.
Present concepts to executives, category leaders, and cross functional teams with clarity and compelling storytelling.