Director Innovation Footwear

This role leads the Innovation design team, directing the creation of industry-leading footwear and innovations. The position involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of industrial designers, materials, colour, computational, and other professionals, and reporting directly to the VP Innovation Footwear Design. The director manages a team of two product designers and is responsible for solving complex design challenges, researching athletes, and ideating future performance footwear solutions.

The role also includes mentoring designers and presenting work in reviews.

• Direct the creation of industry-leading footwear and innovations, bringing bold concepts to life.
• Solve complex design challenges and create iconic products that inspire through function and form.
• Research athletes and ideate on future solutions for performance footwear.
• Lead and explore new opportunities, take risks, and drive innovation within the team.
• Engage with project teammates on research, insights, and problem-solving around performance and manufacturing, and work with athletes to craft creative and sustainable solutions.
• Manage and mentor a team of product designers, collaborating with materials, digital, and colour designers.
• Build and direct larger project teams, working hand-in-hand with product managers, developers, researchers, marketing, and engineers.
• Help the team participate and present work in informal and formal reviews.
• Lead and drive partnerships beyond the design function, including marketing, engineering, and development.
• Challenge industry conventions and set a high standard for creativity, desirability, and innovative thinking.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, a related field or equivalent combination of education, experience or training.
• 8 years’ experience designing and developing innovative footwear and other products.
• Knowledge of form, colour, materials, and human factors related to elevating the consumer experience.
• Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into product solutions and narratives.
• Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills.
• Must be able to build accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs) and have the knowledge to direct/coach the team to build them.
• Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Experienced with presentation programs:
  Keynote, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
• Positive personality and energy.
• Ability and passion to lead, mentor and onboard Design teammates.
• Contribute and align to shared team culture and behaviours.
• Catalyst to make connections with other Design groups.
• Lead and drive partnerships beyond the Design function (Marketing, Engineering, Development, etc.).
• Motivated and hardworking about bringing others along.

• Experience in technical footwear design – performance footwear is a plus.
• Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus.
• 3D design programs experience is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with sustainable design and manufacturing are a plus.