Expert Designer, Energy - HOKA Footwear

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: Expert Designer, Energy - HOKA Footwear

Reports to: Director, Design, Lifestyle - HOKA Footwear

Location: Portland, OR - Hybrid

The Role

As the Expert Designer – Energy Footwear at HOKA, you will be a creative force, leading the design of innovative, future-facing performance and lifestyle footwear. You’ll drive collaborations, shape brand-defining stories, and elevate HOKA’s presence in the marketplace. Your entrepreneurial spirit and independent mindset will connect people, ideas, and processes, bringing clarity and momentum from concept to final product. You’ll be at the forefront of bold, disruptive design, amplifying creativity and unlocking new dimensions of innovation.

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.

Your Impact

• 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 color 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, design travel, and assist in travel/inspiration planning

Who You Are

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, or a related field
• Bring 8+ years of experience in footwear design
• Possess advanced understanding of footwear material, construction, and process (Tooling + Upper)
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Miro or Lucid
• Demonstrate expertise in leading generative AI platforms (e.g., Midjourney, Vizcom, etc.)
• Exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of building and mentoring creative environments
• Have a portfolio showcasing both creative excellence and technical innovation in digital design

What We'll Give You –

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
   

Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.