Sr. Materials Design Manager - UGG

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. Materials Design Manager - UGG

Reports to: Sr. Director, Design - UGG Women's Footwear

Location: Goleta, CA
- Hybrid

Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday

As Sr. Material Design Manager, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of material design for Women’s, Men’s, and Kid’s across the UGG footwear brand. You’ll translate consumer, market, and trend insights into innovative and commercially relevant material solutions, drive seasonal material storytelling and palettes, and partner cross-functionally to ensure alignment with design vision, product goals, cost, and timelines. You’ll connect research, creativity, and execution to deliver impactful material strategies across the full product line.

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.

• Lead the materials team, setting material direction and strategy based on the creative vision set by design leadership
• Drive ongoing, year-round material trend research, identifying and synthesizing key insights, and presenting relevant material trends to inform strategic direction and innovation
• Collaborate with material development team to achieve design intent and manage expectations set forth by footwear briefs
• Pioneer new 3D tools and support CAD creation process
• Supervise external material resources, contractors, and vendors, building strong relationships and challenging them when necessary
• Enforce deadlines for key deliverables and lead creation of seasonal material palette, sharing structure with key stakeholders
• Deliver compelling presentations to inform broader teams on seasonal material direction and reasoning
• Present merchandized range internally and externally to key stakeholders
• Oversee the organization and upkeep of material library in the design studio, ensuring materials are systematically arranged, regularly updated, and accessible
• Follow up with design team on project execution, interpretation of seasonal direction, and cross-functional interactions
• Organize and follow up with material development team, product/development interactions, and deadlines
• Execute and lead seasonal inspiration planning with design and product leadership
• Present seasonal material trend insights to the triad, synthesizing inputs from leather fairs, runway, and broader market trends
• Lead material palette build out, providing material insights and direction at brand level
• Set brand material strategy for the entire product line, guided by design leadership’s seasonal direction
• Present seasonal themes and design direction along with key insights at key touch points internally and externally
• Manage upstream communications with design, material development, and product leadership
• Collaborate with Material Development, Product Development, and PLM team leadership to strategize how to meet product briefs at target cost
• Oversee communications of material development team with broader members of the product triad
• Work with PLM/Merch leadership to ensure a cohesive range is developed to meet commercial needs
• Maintain expert level knowledge of current consumer and market trends and interpret those trends into commercial product
• Manage relevant trends in material and finish in advance of how those are incorporated appropriately in the range
• Ensure samples are organized with design team
• Attend seasonal kickoff and necessary travel, including leather fairs for inspiration and research

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 8+ years’ experience in material design or related field
• 2+ years people management experience
• Advanced…