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: Manager, Material Design
Reports to: Sr. Manager, Material Design - HOKA Footwear
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid) – Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday
The Role
As Manager, Material Design, you’ll lead a complex assortment of category project work and serve as the material design lead within project teams. You’ll drive execution, elevate materials, and create new concepts in partnership with Material Development and Innovation. You’ll provide guidance, feedback, and coaching to your direct report, support the creation of design tech packs and material CADs, and deliver compelling presentations to inform broader teams on seasonal material direction. You’ll translate consumer insights into trend-driven seasonal material narratives, own timelines, and proactively navigate deadlines to ensure key deliverables are met.
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 complex category project work with a high level of individual contribution
- Serve as the material design lead within project teams, driving execution and concept creation
- Elevate materials and lead new concept creation from ideation through finalized tech packs
- Support creation of design tech packs and material CADs
- Lead development of seasonal material palettes in collaboration with the broader material team
- Deliver compelling presentations to inform teams on seasonal material direction and reasoning
- Translate consumer insights into compelling, trend-driven seasonal material narratives
- Own timelines and proactively navigate deadlines to ensure key deliverables are met
- Oversee training of new team members and establish career paths and development plans
- Collaborate with Material Design Leadership for process and calendar improvements
- Contribute to seasonal inspiration planning and translate direction into actionable material concepts
- Support upstream communications with design and product leadership
- Collaborate closely with development and PLM team leadership to strategize how to meet product briefs at target cost
- Interact with larger cross-functional teams (product/marketing/sales/merch)
- Work with PLM/Merch leadership to ensure a cohesive range is developed to meet commercial needs
- Manage relevant trends in material and finish to advance how those are incorporated in the range
- Attend seasonal kickoff and participate in design team travel, including inspiration, tradeshow, market, and product Asia travel
Who You Are
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Proficient knowledge and experience advancing material design or textile designs
- Understanding of footwear creation process and construction styles
- Ability to translate consumer insights and trends into product design direction
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Keynote
- Ability to use or learn 3D software for design ideation
- Highly organized and self-sufficient
- Strong design presentation skills for small or large groups
- Experience creating material design moodboards for seasonal direction and concept creation
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.
#LI-AP1