Lead Designer, Performance Apparel — Athlete Collaboration

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and bonuses

Financial planning and wellbeing plans

Time away from work to spend with affin?

Extras, discounts and perks

Growth and development opportunities

Comprehensive health and wellness

Job summary

Deckers Brands is seeking a Lead Designer, Performance for HOKA Apparel & Accessories in Portland, OR. You will translate brand direction into trend-driven designs while collaborating with athletes and influencers to align with creative and cost goals.

You will lead concepts from sketch to samples, work with cross-functional teams on materials and tech packs, and contribute to seasonal inspiration and kickoff events.

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.
• Strong knowledge of current consumer and market trends, with the ability to translate insights into product design.

Responsibilities

• Design performance apparel and accessories that align with HOKA's creative direction and brand vision.
• Proactively propose ideas and 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.
• Support design leadership with tech pack creation, merch board updates and artwork schematics.
• Communicate effectively with high-profile athletes and influencers to inform design direction.
• Contribute to seasonal inspiration planning and attend seasonal kickoff events.
• Coordinate 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.

Skills

Design leadership

Concept development

Trend interpretation

Athlete collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design or equivalent work experience

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Keynote

PowerPoint

3D rendering software

Job description

Deckers Brands is seeking a Lead Designer, Performance for HOKA Apparel & Accessories in Portland, OR. You will translate brand direction into trend-driven designs while collaborating with athletes and influencers to align with creative and cost goals.

You will lead concepts from sketch to samples, work with cross-functional teams on materials and tech packs, and contribute to seasonal inspiration and kickoff events.