Performance Apparel Lead Designer

Deckers Brands; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and bonuses

Financial planning and wellbeing

Time away from work

Extras, discounts and perks

Growth and development

Health and wellness

Job summary

Deckers Brands is seeking a Lead Designer for HOKA Apparel & Accessories (Performance) in Portland, OR. Hybrid role—typically 3 days in office, Tue–Thu—working with athletes and influencers to translate brand direction into innovative designs.

You’ll lead the design process from concept to samples, collaborating with product teams to meet creative, commercial, and cost goals. A strong portfolio and 5–10 years in performance apparel are required.

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.

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
• 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

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Keynote

PowerPoint

3D rendering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design

Tools

3D rendering software

Job description

Deckers Brands is seeking a Lead Designer for HOKA Apparel & Accessories (Performance) in Portland, OR. Hybrid role—typically 3 days in office, Tue–Thu—working with athletes and influencers to translate brand direction into innovative designs.

You’ll lead the design process from concept to samples, collaborating with product teams to meet creative, commercial, and cost goals. A strong portfolio and 5–10 years in performance apparel are required.