Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering - HOKA Innovation

HOKA; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 185,600 - 250,500; Full time

Job summary

Deckers Brands in Portland, OR is seeking a Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering for HOKA Innovation. You will lead an industry-class innovation organization, overseeing engineering, materials, testing, and prototyping, with global partners and creation centers.

This role shapes future footwear and apparel technology and manages a Portland Maker Space. We value diverse experiences and a collaborative culture, with hybrid in-office work three days a week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical field.
• 12+ years in footwear/apparel product development within a global organization.
• 4+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience leading technical product creation across engineering, materials, manufacturing, and testing.
• Experience with global development partners including Asia-based teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead an industry-class innovation engineering and development organization, setting the standard for product build, engineering, and proactive problem solving.
• Enable the broader innovation team to build, learn, and grow through physical sampling and hands‑on experimentation.
• Manage, motivate, and enable career growth for an expert technical team, fostering a culture of passion and development.
• Oversee and manage advanced technology roadmaps and project portfolios, aligning technology opportunities and projects to innovation and business needs.
• Scout and onboard advanced technology vendors into the Deckers supply chain, expanding our innovation ecosystem.
• Incorporate sports science and product testing as central elements of the innovation process, championing bespoke test methods and applied research.
• Build and manage the Portland Maker Space to inspire product teams and accelerate creation, integrating industry best practices in rapid prototyping.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Product development

Prototyping

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field

Post-graduate degree preferred

Job description

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 we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.

Job Title: Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering - HOKA Innovation

Reports to: Senior Director, HOKA Innovation and Advanced Concepts

Location: Portland, OR - Hybrid

Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday

The Role

As Sr. Director, Product Development and Engineering – HOKA Innovation, you will lead the product operations function within HOKA Innovation, driving engineering, product development, advanced technology creation, sports science, product testing, and local prototyping. You will deliver innovative footwear and apparel concepts, as well as advanced technologies across components, materials, and manufacturing methods. As a key member of the HOKA Innovation leadership team, you will help shape the future direction of HOKA products and oversee global innovation teams, strategic partners, and creation centers.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Lead an industry-class innovation engineering and development organization, setting the standard for product build, engineering, and proactive problem solving.
• Enable the broader innovation team to build, learn, and grow through physical sampling and hands‑on experimentation.
• Manage, motivate, and enable career growth for an expert technical team, fostering a culture of passion and development.
• Oversee and manage advanced technology roadmaps and project portfolios, aligning technology opportunities and projects to innovation and business needs.
• Scout and onboard advanced technology vendors into the Deckers supply chain, expanding our innovation ecosystem.
• Incorporate sports science and product testing as central elements of the innovation process, championing bespoke test methods and applied research.
• Build and manage the Portland Maker Space to inspire product teams and accelerate creation, integrating industry best practices in rapid prototyping.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field required; post‑graduate degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in footwear and/or apparel product development within a global organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical product creation, including engineering, materials, manufacturing methods, and product testing.
• 4+ years of people leadership experience, managing and developing technical teams and/or complex cross‑functional programs.
• Proven track record of delivering innovative product and technology outcomes within innovation and/or inline product development environments.
• Experience working with global development partners, including Asia‑based innovation, development, and manufacturing teams.
• Deep knowledge of footwear and/or apparel construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical capability in product engineering, prototyping, and test‑and‑learn development methodologies.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate innovation vision into executable roadmaps and development plans.
• Organizational management skills, providing direction to expert team leads and fostering positive team culture, passion, and career development.
• Effective cross‑functional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

What We’ll Give You

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses – We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing – No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work – Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks – Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community‑based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras.
• Growth and Development – Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness – There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

$185,600.00 - $250,500.00

The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in Port Lawn, Oregon.

Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.