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: Lead Designer, Lifestyle - HOKA Apparel & Accessories
Reports to: Director, Design - HOKA Apparel
Location: Portland, OR. Hybrid – Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday.
The Role
As Lead Designer for Lifestyle, HOKA Apparel & Accessories, you’ll execute on lifestyle product that seamlessly aligns with the consumer’s elevated taste level. You’ll collaborate with external brand partners and internal cross-functional teams to build products that blend performance with forward aesthetics, bridging the gap between innovation, product functionality, and utility—style, comfort, and versatility. You’ll lead collaboration projects, balancing creativity, strategy, and partnership, and drive the product creation process from concept to final product.
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
- Action on the product creation process from concept to final product
- Translate consumer insights, research, and trend analysis into disruptive, functional design solutions
- Create original concepts that merge performance technologies with distinctive brand design languages
- Partner closely with Product Management, Product Development, Material Development, and Merchandising Teams to ensure concept feasibility and performance integrity
- Maintain design quality, consistency, and alignment with brand vision across the product line
- Stay ahead of macro design trends, consumer shifts, and emerging technologies
- Exhibit solid design skills with ability to meet key project deadlines under minimal supervision
- Assist in training new team members as needed
- Contribute to annual creative vision and seasonal inspiration planning
- Attend seasonal kickoff and participate in all design travel
- Align with Design Director and collaborate closely with Innovation, Development, and product teams to design products that meet product briefs
- Schedule meetings with internal teams and external partners, supplying agendas, relevant samples, and additional materials
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of current consumer and market trends and interpret those trends into commercial product
- Collaborate with Product, Design, and Development to coordinate sample access, ordering, and delivery
- Manage team samples for easy access to reference and confidentiality
Who You Are
- Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or equivalent work experience
- 5–10 years’ experience in apparel design
- Expert understanding of construction and process for performance apparel
- Proven experience and portfolio that shows eye for style and skills in performance apparel creation
- Ability to communicate at a high level with high-profile athletes and influencers
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Keynote, and PowerPoint; Vizcom and/or 3D software acumen a plus
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.
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.
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