Principal Designer, Apparel - HOKA Innovation

As Principal Designer, Apparel – HOKA Innovation, the role holder drives the creative exploration of what is next in performance apparel, translating athlete and consumer insights into innovative concepts and technologies. The position collaborates with elite athletes, engineers, sports scientists and developers to shape breakthrough solutions that transform athlete experiences and push the boundaries of performance product. Reporting to the Senior Director, Design – HOKA Innovation, the role contributes to HOKA's global design strategy and seasonal direction.

• Design and engineer future performance apparel that blends innovation, athlete needs and HOKA's design DNA.
• Manage and drive innovation projects aligned to the HOKA innovation strategy, roadmap and calendar.
• Develop and refine accurate 2D and 3D design techpacks, renderings and compelling product storytelling.
• Collaborate with elite athletes and the HOKA sports science and testing team to test, iterate and refine products.
• Translate athlete and consumer insights into advanced concepts and radical product solutions.
• Explore new materials, constructions and aesthetics that bring meaningful newness to performance product.
• Travel with the team on design, development and inspiration trips to factories, trade shows and athlete events.
• Contribute to HOKA global design strategy and seasonal direction, shaping progressive performance narratives.

• Bachelor's degree in apparel, footwear, industrial or transportation design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8–10+ years of related performance apparel design experience.
• Ability to lead by example, set a high creative standard and inspire teammates through collaboration and constructive feedback.
• Confidence working fast, generating provocative ideas and visualising radical new concepts.
• Ability to balance creativity and high design with technical manufacturing possibilities and constraints.
• Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, ideation and brainstorming skills.
• Mastery of advanced digital AI co-creation design tools (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Rhino, Grasshopper, Blender, Clo, Keyshot, Gravity Sketch, Vizcom, Midjourney, Claude) and proficiency in Microsoft applications.
• Ability to self-start, tinker, build and prototype early concepts into tangible mockups and samples.
• Advanced design thinking, creativity and a strategic approach, translating ambiguity into clear design direction.
• Expertise in technical performance apparel, including materials, construction, fit, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
• Deep care and understanding of sustainability and circularity concepts and practices.
• Ability to manage complex projects, meetings, timelines and competing priorities with organisation and attention to detail.
• Ability to build and maintain a strong creative vision across projects and the wider industry landscape.
• Ability to partner effectively with internal and external teams, including consumer insights, athlete science, design, testing, development, engineering and agency partners.
• Ability to create compelling narratives, presentations and design stories for senior leadership and cross-functional partners.

• 1–3+ years of people management experience.

Hybrid working arrangement, typically three times per week in office, Tuesday to Thursday.

• US $137,500 – US $185,600 per year, Portland, Oregon.
• Individual pay is determined by location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

• Competitive pay and bonuses: a variety of competitive compensation programmes designed to foster career development,…