Expert Designer, Energy - HOKA Footwear

The Expert Designer – Energy Footwear at HOKA is a creative leadership role focused on designing innovative, future-facing performance and lifestyle footwear. The position drives collaborations, shapes brand-defining stories and elevates HOKA's presence in the marketplace, connecting people, ideas and processes from concept to final product. Reporting to the Director, Design, Lifestyle – HOKA Footwear, the role operates at the forefront of bold, disruptive design and works closely with cross-functional teams.

The designer also acts as a mentor within the design team and helps to shape the category's creative vision.

• Lead design of Energy category priority projects, including high-profile collaborations and brand-first stories
• Manage the transition from Energy to Inline, delivering strategic design paths from pinnacle incubation to commercial scale
• Contribute to design strategy, category constructs and HOKA's creative vision
• Design forward-thinking performance and lifestyle footwear that blends fashion, function and HOKA's design DNA
• Translate external partner input, brand priorities and consumer insights into compelling concepts and product solutions
• Explore new materials, constructions and aesthetics to bring meaningful newness to footwear
• Create inspiring, memorable design stories and develop accurate illustrations, 2D drawings, renderings and tech packs
• Act as a role model and mentor for junior designers, guiding project execution and cross-functional collaboration
• Lead product franchise vision and manage execution across multiple designers
• Set style and colour direction for projects and categories, contributing to seasonal inspiration and presenting key insights internally and externally
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve bold goals and mentor the design team in consumer understanding
• Attend seasonal kickoffs and design travel, and assist in travel and inspiration planning

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Interaction Design or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in footwear design
• Advanced understanding of footwear material, construction and process (tooling and upper)
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Miro or Lucid
• Expertise in leading generative AI platforms (e.g. Midjourney, Vizcom)
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of building and mentoring creative environments
• A portfolio showcasing both creative excellence and technical innovation in digital design

• Individual pay is determined by location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training.

• Competitive pay and bonuses, with a variety of compensation programmes designed to foster career development and reward success
• Financial planning and wellbeing plans that help employees protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future
• Time away from work to be with family, focus on health or recharge
• Extras, discounts and perks, including generous discounts and community-based programmes
• Growth and development, with extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development
• Comprehensive health and wellness programmes and offerings that support a healthy lifestyle

Deckers Brands describes "Together, Every Step" as 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 the company continues to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work and have a positive impact on the communities and world around it.

Deckers Brands celebrates diversity of background, experience and unique identity and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees can come as they are.