Sr. Product Developer - 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: Sr. Product Developer - HOKA Footwear

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Product Development - HOKA Footwear

Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)

Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday

 

The Role

As a Senior Product Developer – HOKA Footwear, you’ll drive the footwear product creation process from the initial product brief and design through prototyping, sales samples, product confirmation, and production readiness. You’ll manage critical timelines, lead key sample reviews, and bring teams together across Design, Product Management, Product Testing, Costing, Materials, Engineering, and Asia Product Development.

You’ll play an important role in ensuring each project delivers against brand and consumer needs while meeting performance, manufacturing, quality, and cost targets. With an eye toward continuous improvement, you’ll help identify risks early, solve complex product challenges, and create high-quality footwear for our consumers.

This is a hybrid role based in Portland, OR, with a current expectation of three days per week in the office. During milestone or in-person team working weeks, this may increase to four or five days depending on business needs. Travel to development factories and trade shows may be required, approximately 10–15%.

 

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 the product creation process, partnering cross-functionally to ensure last, mold, and pattern execution aligns with product briefs, cost targets, testing requirements, and intended performance.
• Create and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs), product specifications, and product data within the PLM system.
• Review design tech packs before hand-off, proactively identifying potential concerns related to construction, materials, fit/wear, testing, manufacturability, and cost.
• Partner with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Asia Product Development to develop solutions that meet performance and margin targets, including alternatives across construction, materials, costing, and duties.
• Review technical drawings, test reports, patterns, components, and lasts to identify risks and drive corrective action.
• Manage the critical path and execute development projects against established timelines and key milestones.
• Lead the timely creation, delivery, and approval of technical deliverables, including shell patterns, 2D/3D files, lasts, blueprints, and cost sheets.
• Coordinate cross-functional follow-ups so required technical deliverables are completed and approved on schedule.
• Review fit/wear, material, and product testing results; identify commercialization risks; and drive actions that enable product confirmation and production readiness.
• Partner with Design and Testing teams to document issues, recommend solutions, and confirm corrective actions before commercialization.
• Support factory and cross-functional communication to resolve testing, fit/wear, material, timing, quality, and other commercialization challenges.
• Lead sample and competitor-product teardowns to evaluate construction, comfort, and cost opportunities.
• Manage sample delivery against key meetings and calendar milestones and drive timely approval of production confirmation samples.

 

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 4–6 years of experience in the footwear development industry, including experience building product specifications.
• Experience establishing and maintaining product specifications, BOM accuracy, and PLM data standards using FlexPLM or a similar system.
• Working knowledge of material applications, testing and validation, footwear construction, and factory manufacturing constraints for performance footwear.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build connection and drive alignment across multiple functions and perspectives.
• Ability to set priorities, manage competing workloads, provide clear feedback, and take accountability for delivering results.
• Proficiency with PLM systems such as FlexPLM, including the ability to define and reinforce data standards and approval workflows.
• Working knowledge of footwear development tools and measurement techniques, such as calipers, hardness gauges, and Brannock devices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Adobe applications.
• A curious, innovative approach to challenges, with a focus on continuously improving product creation, solving problems, and delighting consumers.
• Ability to build trust through authenticity, integrity, and collaboration while valuing the contributions of diverse, effective teams.
• Ability to meet the role’s physical requirements, with reasonable accommodation where applicable, including manual dexterity, considerable walking, and some lifting.

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.

 

#LI-TU1

 

$87,900.00 - $118,600.00

 

The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in:

Portland, Oregon

 

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.