Sr. Materials Developer - HOKA Footwear

Deckers

249d

About The Position

The Senior Materials Developer for Hoka Footwear will play a crucial role in product creation and excellence in material development for performance footwear. This role is responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge materials that meet the technical, aesthetic and sustainability requirements of Hoka's footwear products. As a senior technical expert, you will lead material projects from conception to commercialization, collaborating closely with design, product and sourcing teams to ensure the successful execution of key material initiatives. This position is hands-on, requiring deep technical expertise in material science/development and processes, as well as the ability to solve complex material challenges that may arise during development. While mentorship of junior team members is expected, this role does not directly manage a team.

Requirements

• Bachelors' degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• 6+ years relevant work experience which may include footwear product creation or material development, engineering or science.
• Proven track record in developing advanced performance materials and managing material development projects.
• Extensive experience working with global supplier partners as well product teams including, innovation, sourcing, design, manufacturing, and development.
• Deep understanding of footwear product creation process and material manufacturing is required.
• Intermediate to advance working knowledge of Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite including but not limited to Excel, Illustrator, Office, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Extensive knowledge of footwear materials and processes such as: knits, wovens, non-wovens, leather, synthetics, manufacturing, test methods and post processing is required.
• Attention to detail, highly organized, active follow through and self-motivated.
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to address technical material challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with design, product, and development teams.
• Ability to handle competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Ability to interpret design intent and conceptual briefing to provide material recommendations.
• Ability to interpret material test results for end use application for performance footwear.
• Key awareness of insights and trends for footwear industry or comparable industries.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time both domestic and international.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced materials for performance footwear, ensuring alignment with Hoka's product goals and timelines.
• Drive in-line innovation of seasonal materials by identifying and incorporating new technologies, machines and sustainable materials.
• Partner with material design to advance and identify key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor material technologies.
• Serve as the go-to expert for materials, providing guidance during all stages of product creation.
• Collaborate cross functionally with product design, product development, engineering, innovation, material design and product management to identify appropriate material usage for performance footwear manufacturing.
• Interpret material test results and ensure materials meet Hoka's performance durability and aesthetic standards.
• Lead vendor communication and have deep understanding of vendor capabilities/expertise.
• Execute and drive material development deadlines to support seasonal product calendars.
• Anticipate and resolve material-related challenges that arise during the product development process, providing alternative solutions that maintain product integrity and timelines.
• Advance opportunities for new and approved materials that meet the needs of the product team including but not limited to: performance, aesthetics, sustainability, cost and source location.
• Create and update preliminary material data into product lifecycle management systems to allow on time CAD handoffs.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members of the material team.
• Partner with sourcing and procurement team to ensure visibility to concerns or issues that may arise during product creation cycle.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses
• Financial Planning and wellbeing
• Time away from work
• Extras, discounts and perks
• Growth and Development
• Health and Wellness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Apparel Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree