What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Innovation - Footwear and Apparel position at Deckers Brands?
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: Director of Innovation – Footwear and Apparel
Reports to: VP, Innovation - HOKA
Location: Portland, OR
Reports to: VP, Innovation - HOKA
Location: Portland, OR
The Role
The Director of Innovation – Footwear & Apparel - HOKA will help to drive the HOKA Innovation Strategy by delivering world-class innovations. The right person will have expert visioning and research abilities that create business opportunities through advanced concepts and applications and will be able to sell big ideas to stakeholders though compelling storytelling rooted in insights.
This person is a creative yet strategic leader who champions a culture of out-of-the-box thinking that forwards the people and collective teams at HOKA. They will actively foster an environment where employees trust the people they work with, take pride in the work they do, and inspire each other to reach their full potential - because they know they are contributing to something greater than themselves.
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 & Apparel Innovation
- 3. Footwear and Apparel Architecture
- 4. Performance Footwear & Apparel
Who You Are
- Creatively agile and adept in innovative thinking, vision and problem solving
- Ability to build a vision, and uphold creative and strategic direction end-to-end to ensure that vision carries through project transitions
- A listener and synthesizer who can make the complex simple and find clarity in ambiguity
- A seasoned leader, ability to self-manage, can work
- Can partner with internal and external parties (consumer insights, agencies, athlete science/sports research, design, testing, development, engineering, manufacturing)
- Advanced project management skills, proactively partnering to facilitate effective meetings and manage key dates and deliverables with project partners
- Expert-level narrative development and communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver project presentations to senior leadership
- Works with the design leadership to implement brand vision, design language and product direction. Works with biomechanical / testing team to evaluate and refine product platforms
- Manage and drive multiple innovation projects that align to the innovation calendar
- Presents concepts with strong verbal and visual execution, while clearly communicating design process and vision
We’d love to hear from people with
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in design related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least 15 years of global Footwear and Apparel experience, in a performance Footwear & Apparel brand.
- 3 years people management experience
- Proven track record, including patents, supporting the creation of winning global innovation strategies.
- Cross-functional leadership and experience required, with the ability to build a collaborative, supportive operating environment
Demonstrated Skills//Programs/Knowledge/Behavior
- Mastery of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
- Proficient in Microsoft Applications
- Familiar with 3D software for design, Gravity Sketch, Blender, Rhino, Modo, etc.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in a design, production, or architecture studio
- Portfolio demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking and stellar taste in design
- Strong understanding of artistic fundamentals of composition, form, and color
- Strong commitment to the team; maintains positive working relationships with diverse people, including internal team and external partners
- Embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct
- 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.
- Mastery of footwear and apparel 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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