Sr. Materials 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. Materials Developer - HOKA Footwear

Reports to: Materials Development Manager

Location: Portland, OR

The Role

The Senior Materials Developer for Hoka Footwear will play a crucial role in product creation and excellence in material development for performance footwear. This role is responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge materials that meet the technical, aesthetic and sustainability requirements of Hoka's footwear products. As a senior technical expert, you will lead material projects from conception to commercialization, collaborating closely with design, product and sourcing teams to ensure the successful execution of key material initiatives.

This position is hands-on, requiring deep technical expertise in material science/development and processes, as well as the ability to solve complex material challenges that may arise during development. While mentorship of junior team members is expected, this role does not directly manage a team.

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

• Lead the development of advanced materials for performance footwear, ensuring alignment with Hoka's product goals and timelines.
• Drive in-line innovation of seasonal materials by identifying and incorporating new technologies, machines and sustainable materials.
• Partner with material design to advance and identify key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor material technologies.
• Serve as the go-to expert for materials, providing guidance during all stages of product creation.
• Collaborate cross functionally with product design, product development, engineering, innovation, material design and product management to identify appropriate material usage for performance footwear manufacturing.
• Interpret material test results and ensure materials meet Hoka's performance durability and aesthetic standards.
• Lead vendor communication and have deep understanding of vendor capabilities/expertise.
• Execute and drive material development deadlines to support seasonal product calendars. Clearly communicate timelines, lead times and expectations to product teams to ensure materials are tested and commercialized on time.
• Anticipate and resolve material-related challenges that arise during the product development process, providing alternative solutions that maintain product integrity and timelines
• Advance opportunities for new and approved materials that meet the needs of the product team including but not limited to: performance, aesthetics, sustainability, cost and source location.
• Create and update preliminary material data into product lifecycle management systems to allow on time CAD handoffs.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members of the material team, helping them grow their skills and understanding of material development
• Partner with sourcing and procurement team to ensure visibility to concerns or issues that may arise during product creation cycle.

Who You Are

• Hands-on Expert: You are deeply involved in the technical details of material development and enjoy solving complex problems with innovative solutions.
• Collaborator: You work seamlessly with cross-functional teams, ensuring materials meet the technical and design needs of Hoka footwear.
• Mentor: You guide junior developers, sharing your knowledge and expertise to help them advance in their roles.

We'd love to hear from people with

• Bachelors' degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• 6+ years relevant work experience which may include footwear product creation or material development, engineering or science.
• Proven track record in developing advanced performance materials and managing material development projects.
• Extensive experience working with global supplier partners as well product teams including, innovation, sourcing, design, manufacturing, and development.
• Deep understanding of footwear product creation process and material manufacturing is required.
• Intermediate to advance working knowledge of Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite including but not limited to Excel, Illustrator, Office, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Extensive knowledge of footwear materials and processes such as: knits, wovens, non-wovens, leather, synthetics, manufacturing, test methods and post processing is required.
• Attention to detail, highly organized, active follow through and self-motivated.
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to address technical material challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with design, product, and development teams.
• Ability to handle competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Ability to interpret design intent and conceptual briefing to provide material recommendations.
• Ability to interpret material test results for end use application for performance footwear.
• Key awareness of insights and trends for footwear industry or comparable industries.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time both domestic and international.

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 of the other beautiful parts of your identity.

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