Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering - HOKA Innovation

Deckers Brands; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 186,000 - 251,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation programs

Bonuses for performance

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Deckers Brands, renowned for its HOKA Innovation, is seeking a Sr. Director of Product Development & Engineering in Portland, OR.

You will lead engineering, product development, and advanced technology creation, driving prototypes and sports science integration across global teams. The role requires 12+ years in footwear/apparel product development, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering innovative outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field required.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in footwear and/or apparel product development within a global organization.
• 4+ years of people leadership experience, managing technical teams or cross‑functional programs.
• Proven track record of delivering innovative product and technology outcomes in innovation or inline development.
• Experience with global development partners including Asia‑based teams.
• Deep knowledge of footwear/apparel construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong capability in prototyping and test‑and‑learn development methodologies.
• Strategic thinking to translate vision into executable roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Lead an industry‑class innovation engineering and development organization.
• Enable the team to build, learn, and grow through physical sampling and hands‑on experimentation.
• Manage and develop expert team leads and foster a positive culture.
• Oversee technology roadmaps and project portfolios aligned to business needs.
• Scout and onboard advanced technology vendors into the Deckers supply chain.
• Incorporate sports science and product testing as central elements of the process.
• Build and manage the Portland Maker Space to accelerate rapid prototyping.

Skills

Technical leadership

Product development

Engineering

Prototyping

Test‑and‑learn

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Science

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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: Portland, 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.

More than Just a Footwear Company

From our corporate offices to our global retail stores, there’s a curious, independent spirit that’s distinctively Deckers Brands. We’re about giving people the freedom to pursue their passions. And we’re committed to helping them succeed; to become their best selves. That’s why we’re about more than work, the 9 to 5 or daily grind. We’re about opportunity - opportunity to create, to grow and to have an impact. As we work to become better at everything we do, how we better the world matters, too. Our products and brands are loved, no doubt about it. But the difference we make in people’s lives begins with our people, right here at Deckers Brands.

We’re adventurous, spirited, unafraid of new challenges and willing to take chances. We are always ready to rally around a cause. Put simply, we want all of our people to thrive - to reach their full potential and have fun while doing it. Because in the end, Deckers thrives when our people thrive.