Lead Designer, Performance - HOKA Apparel & Accessories

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

About the Role

The Lead Designer, Performance – HOKA Apparel & Accessories brings creative vision and technical expertise to a diverse range of performance products, reporting to the Director, Design – HOKA Apparel. The role involves working closely with high-profile athletes and influencers to translate brand and category direction into innovative, trend-driven designs. The designer collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet creative, commercial and cost goals, supporting the design process from concept through to final samples.

Key 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

Required Experience & 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

Preferred Skills

• Experience with 3D rendering software is a plus

Workplace

• Hybrid – typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday to Thursday

Salary

• $130,000 – $140,000 Per year in Portland, Oregon

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay and bonuses, with a variety of compensation programs designed to foster career development and reward success
• Financial planning and wellbeing plans that help protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future
• Time away from work to spend with family, focus on health or recharge
• Extras, discounts and perks, including generous discounts and community-based programs
• Growth and development opportunities and support for personal and professional development
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings

About the Company

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 the company continues to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around it. Deckers Brands celebrates diversity of background, experiences and unique identity, and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees can Come as They Are.