Sr. Innovator - Science

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: Sr. Innovator Design - Footwear

Reports to:  Director of Innovation - Footwear & Apparel

Location:  Portland, OR (In-Office)

The Role 

The Sr Innovator – Science – HOKA will help to drive the HOKA Innovation Strategy by delivering world-class innovations. The right person will have expert visioning and research abilities that create business opportunities through advanced concepts and applications and will be able to sell big ideas to stakeholders through compelling storytelling rooted in insights. This person is a creative yet strategic leader who champions a culture of out-of-the-box thinking that forwards the people and collective teams at HOKA. They will actively foster an environment where employees trust the people they work with, take pride in the work they do, and inspire each other to reach their full potential - because they know they are contributing to something greater than themselves. The Sr Innovator – Science – HOKA possesses expertise in Science Innovation and Innovation creation processes that can be applied to Performance Sports, Fitness, Outdoor and Lifestyle for Footwear and Apparel. 

Your Impact  

The primary functions of this role, include but are not limited to: 

• Partner with the Vice President, Innovation to support the development and articulation of a vision and HOKA Innovation strategy to internal audiences including the Executive Leadership Team and Product Creation teams. 

• Foster a team culture that inspires people to innovate fearlessly, push the boundaries of what exists today and look to the future to create new experiences for a world of consumers, including athletes. 

• Individually contribute and lead the team to research, design, and deliver disruptive concepts and products from creation through commercialization. 

• Partner closely with the brand product creation teams to support brand innovation streams, while leading design efforts for enterprise-wide innovation pillars. 

• Leverage a team of internal and external resources which identify, utilize, and nurture new concepts, materials, techniques, designs, machinery, processes, intellectual property, partnerships, and/or other exclusive opportunities to advance the level of product innovation. 

• Lead with curiosity and stay ahead of trends and opportunities while also ensuring insights, data, and athlete feedback. 

• Instill and reinforce the highest standards for collaboration and teamwork across the HOKA brand portfolio, with the goals of identifying synergies, fostering idea sharing, and establishing common goals for profitable growth and continuous innovation. 

• Demonstrate infectious enthusiasm that evokes passion for the purpose across all levels of the global organization; create forums and opportunities to foster creative thinking, a culture of innovation and discussion in the broader HOKA organization. 

• Champion practices that drive equity, inclusion, and diversity; cultivate a culture of psychological safety, inclusion, and belonging. 

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. 

Who You Are