Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering - HOKA Innovation

Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering – HOKA Innovation

Location:

Portland, OR – Hybrid (typically 3 days per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday)

Reports to:

Senior Director, HOKA Innovation and Advanced Concepts

Lead the product operations function within HOKA Innovation, driving engineering, product development, advanced technology creation, sports science, product testing, and local prototyping. Set the standard for product build, engineering, and proactive problem‑solving. Shape the future direction of HOKA products and oversee global innovation teams, strategic partners, and creation centers.

• Lead an industry‑class innovation engineering and development organization, setting the standard for product build, engineering, and proactive problem solving.
• Enable the broader innovation team to build, learn, and grow through physical sampling and hands‑on experimentation.
• Manage, motivate, and enable career growth for an expert technical team, fostering a culture of passion and development.
• Oversee and manage advanced technology roadmaps and project portfolios, aligning technology opportunities and projects to innovation and business needs.
• Scout and onboard advanced technology vendors into the Deckers supply chain, expanding the innovation ecosystem.
• Incorporate sports science and product testing as central elements of the innovation process, championing bespoke test methods and applied research.
• Build and manage the Portland Maker Space to inspire product teams and accelerate creation, integrating industry best practices in rapid prototyping.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field required; post‑graduate degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in footwear and/or apparel product development within a global organization.
• Proven experience leading technical product creation, including engineering, materials, manufacturing methods, and product testing.
• 4+ years of people‑leadership experience, managing and developing technical teams and/or complex cross‑functional programs.
• Track record of delivering innovative product and technology outcomes within innovation and/or inline product development environments.
• Experience working with global development partners, including Asia‑based innovation, development, and manufacturing teams.
• Deep knowledge of footwear and/or apparel construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical capability in product engineering, prototyping, and test‑and‑learn development methodologies.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate innovation vision into executable roadmaps and development plans.
• Organizational management skills, providing direction to expert team leads and fostering positive team culture, passion, and career development.
• Effective cross‑functional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Competitive pay and bonuses.
• Comprehensive financial planning and wellbeing benefits.
• Paid time away from work for family, health, and recovery.
• Discounts and perks for employees and community‑based programs.
• Growth and development opportunities, including extensive personal and professional development support.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

Salary range: $ – $ – The range reflects estimated minimum and maximum target salaries for this role in Portland, Oregon. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and education.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected characteristic.