Lead Designer, Performance - HOKA Apparel & Accessories

About the role

The Lead Designer for HOKA Apparel & Accessories (Performance) at Deckers Brands will bring creative vision and technical expertise to a diverse range of performance products. This role involves working closely with high-profile athletes and influencers, translating brand and category direction into innovative, trend-driven designs. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to ensure products meet creative, commercial, and cost goals.

Responsibilities

• Design performance apparel and accessories that align with HOKA’s creative direction and brand vision
• Proactively propose ideas, develop concepts, sketches, and product ideation for assigned categories within established deadlines
• Collaborate with product and development teams to select materials and design products within pricing goals
• Create artwork, flat sketches, and technical details for development and tech/spec packages
• Communicate effectively with high-profile athletes and influencers to inform design direction
• Contribute to seasonal inspiration planning and attend seasonal kickoff events
• Cook with internal and external partners to ensure timely sample access, ordering, and delivery
• Stay current on consumer and market trends, interpreting them into commercial product solutions
• Participate in all design-related travel, including seasonal kickoffs and inspiration trips

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or equivalent work experience
• 5–10 years of experience in apparel design, with a strong portfolio in performance apparel
• Expert understanding of construction and process for performance apparel
• Proven ability to communicate at a high level with athletes and influencers
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Keynote, and PowerPoint; 3D rendering software experience is a plus
• Strong knowledge of current consumer and market trends, with the ability to translate insights into product design

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or equivalent work experience
• 5–10 years of experience in apparel design, with a strong portfolio in performance apparel
• Expert understanding of construction and process for performance apparel
• Proven ability to communicate at a high level with athletes and influencers
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Keynote, and PowerPoint; 3D rendering software experience is a plus
• Strong knowledge of current consumer and market trends, with the ability to translate insights into product design

Skills

• Adobe Illustrator
• Photoshop
• Keynote
• PowerPoint
• 3D rendering software (optional)

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses
• Financial Planning and Wellbeing
• Time Away from Work
• Extras, Discounts and Perks
• Growth and Development
• Health and Wellness

Pay

$130,000 - $140,000/year

Schedule

Hybrid – Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday