Principal Designer, Apparel - HOKA Innovation

At Deckers Brands, we believe that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported as a whole person, and that diverse perspectives drive exceptional business results and a positive impact on our communities.

About the Role

As Principal Designer, Apparel – HOKA Innovation, you’ll drive the creative exploration of what’s next in performance apparel. You’ll collaborate with elite athletes, engineers, sports scientists, and developers to translate insights into innovative concepts and technologies. Your energy, passion, and expertise will help shape breakthrough solutions that transform athlete experiences and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer future performance apparel that blends innovation, athlete needs, and HOKA’s design DNA
• Manage and drive innovation projects aligned to the HOKA innovation strategy, roadmap, and calendar
• Develop and refine accurate 2D and 3D design techpacks, renderings, and compelling product storytelling
• Collaborate with elite athletes and the HOKA sports science and testing team to test, iterate, and refine products
• Translate athlete and consumer insights into advanced concepts and radical product solutions
• Explore new materials, constructions, and aesthetics that bring meaningful newness to performance product
• Travel with the team for design, development, and inspiration trips to factories, tradeshows, and athlete events
• Contribute to HOKA global design strategy and seasonal direction, shaping progressive performance narratives
• Lead by example, set a high creative standard, and inspire teammates through collaboration and constructive feedback
• Balance creativity and high design with technical manufacturing possibilities and constraints
• Manage complex projects, meetings, timelines, and competing priorities with organization and attention to detail
• Build and maintain a strong creative vision across projects and industry landscape
• Partner effectively with internal and external teams, including consumer insights, athlete science, design, testing, development, engineering, and agency partners
• Create compelling narratives, presentations, and design stories for senior leadership and cross-functional partners
• Obsess over athletes, consumers, markets, and trends, translating insights into relevant, progressive performance product

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in apparel, footwear, industrial, transportation design, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 8-10+ years of related performance apparel design experience
• 1-3+ years of people management experience preferred
• Confident working fast, generating provocative ideas, and visualizing radical new concepts
• Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, ideation, and brainstorming skills
• Mastery of advanced digital AI co-creation design tools (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Rhino, Grasshopper, Blender, Clo, Keyshot, Gravity Sketch, Vizcom, Midjourney, Claude) and proficiency in Microsoft applications
• Ability to self-start, tinker, build, and prototype early concepts into tangible mockups and samples
• Advanced design thinking, creativity, and strategic approach, translating ambiguity into clear design direction
• Expertise in technical performance apparel, including materials, construction, fit, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing
• Deep care and understanding of sustainability and circularity concepts and practices
• Highly motivated team player and self-starter with a curious, growth mindset and focus on continuous learning

Schedule

Hybrid role based in Portland, OR, typically requiring 3 days per week in office (Tuesday – Thursday).

Pay

$137,500.00 - $185,600.00. The salary range reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries in Portland, Oregon. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and bonuses to foster career development and reward success
• Financial planning and wellbeing support, including investment and expense management
• Time away from work for family, health, or personal recharge
• Extras, discounts, and perks, including generous product discounts and community-based programs
• Growth and development opportunities for personal and professional advancement
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs supporting a healthy lifestyle