Lead Product Developer - HOKA Innovation

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:

Lead Product Developer - HOKA Innovation

Reports to:

Principal Product Developer - HOKA Innovation

Location:

Portland, OR (Hybrid) Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday

As Lead Product Developer – HOKA Innovation, you’ll help shape the next generation of footwear by translating athlete needs into advanced product opportunities. You’ll lead the development of breakthrough concepts from ideation to performance-validated prototypes, collaborating with a team of innovators to transform athlete experiences through radical product solutions.

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.

• Develop next-generation footwear concepts, from ideation to performance-validated prototypes
• Support HOKA Innovation team members through rapid prototyping with a hands‑on approach
• Create systematic samples and experiments to iterate toward target performance metrics
• Connect athlete problems to novel constructions, manufacturing techniques, and advanced materials
• Bring an entrepreneurial mindset, continuously seeking new ways to create product differentiation and define new business models
• Guide cross‑functional creation teams to shape radical concepts from raw insights, ensuring clear hypotheses and goals
• Create and communicate short‑and long‑term project plans, ensuring projects meet business needs and athlete performance targets
• Drive critical path activities and solve problems to reach the next milestone of innovation readiness
• Establish trusted relationships and communication channels with product teams and sourcing partners to understand business landscape, product gaps, and opportunities for innovation
• Partner with inline Product Development teams to successfully transition concepts for commercialization
• Facilitate strong connections with sports marketing counterparts and athletes to build insights
• Scout, vet, and onboard new vendors and technology partners—local and global—to stay ahead of industry trends

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s, MBA, or PhD preferred
• Any function‑related certifications preferred
• 6+ years progressive experience in the footwear industry for a global company
• Experience leading projects with global development teams, including Asia factories and suppliers
• Examples of innovative product creation, beyond briefed or seasonal product
• Creatively agile and adept in innovative thinking, vision, and problem solving
• Curiosity to uncover new possibilities and solution spaces
• Ability to realize ideas through tangible demonstrators and prototypes
• Knowledge of fundamental athletic footwear constructions, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in footwear development leading cross‑functional creation teams, including Asia sourcing teams and vendors
• Systematic approaches to prototyping creation and testing, optimizing product features by designing sample matrixes and testing plans
• Empathetic and inclusive approach to teamwork, mentorship, and partnerships
• Ability to work well and adapt with a diverse range of personality types and working styles across cultures and geographies
• Willingness to embrace new creation approaches and philosophies
• Proven ability to concisely articulate success criteria for a project
• Ability to create and track clear project plans with near‑term objectives week‑to‑week
• Support, encourage, and motivate global development and cross‑functional project teams

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses – We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees…