Sr. Innovator - Design, HOKA Footwear

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. 

Job Title: Sr Innovator Design - Footwear
Reports to:  Sr Director Innovation Design
Location:  Portland, OR

The Role

A HOKA Innovator is versatile and can approach new situations and circumstances in original ways.   This person can build on experiences and disciplinary expertise and propose novel solutions.  They are inquisitive and perceptive in nature and motivated by change, like to experiment and willing to take risks with ideas and new ways to do things.

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.

Your Impact

The primary functions of this role, include but are not limited to:

• 1. Design generation 
• 2. Footwear Innovation
• 3. Footwear Architecture
• 4. Performance Footwear

Who You Are

A HOKA innovator can identify needs and opportunities and come up with out-of-the-box solutions.  They are original in their thoughts and ask others to view a situation or practice in a new way.  They are creative and have active creative outlets outside of the work environment, such as painting, music, crafting, baking etc.

Most importantly this individual is entrepreneurial that can “ideate and make” and is able to carry a project from inception to commercialization.

The senior Innovator - Design possesses extensive expertise in performance footwear design.  In depth knowledge of running, track & field, hiking, and trail running footwear is strongly desired. Knowledge of fitness and lifestyle footwear is greatly appreciated and is a plus.

We’d love to hear from people with

• Mastery of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
• Proficient in Microsoft Applications
• Familiar with 3D software for design, Gravity Sketch, Blender, Rhino, Modo, etc. 
• A deep understanding of the requirements to design highly technical performance product
• Ability to immerse with and understand our target consumer and markets
• Demonstrative knowledge of current trends and the ability to interpret trends into commercial product.
• Advanced understanding of footwear design including appropriate use of materials, construction techniques, last creation, materials, color application, etc.
• Well experienced in the preparation and presentation of design concepts and stories to management and other employees of the organization.
• Expert ability to create and interpret technical footwear drawings
• Complete knowledge of interdependency between design and development processes, with the ability to conceptualize and translate from 2D to 3D collaborating with the broader team
• Highly motivated team player and self-starter; ability to motivate and inspire others
• Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills and problem-solving abilities, Strong story-telling skills, with ability to create compelling design stories and themes
• Experience working effectively in complex global organizations, satisfying the needs of diverse constituents, and often working under the pressure of competing and sometimes conflicting priorities
• Strong project management and organizational skills, ability to lead and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, deadline and process driven, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to train and develop team members based on individual talents, and support internal career path and development
• Experience mentoring and providing regular feedback to team members that foster skill development and performance improvement including tough conversations
• Ability to prioritize, manage, and delegate work to direct reports
• Ability to deliver constructive feedback on design and creative concepts

What We'll Give You –

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
   

Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all of the other beautiful parts of your identity.

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