Materials Developer II - HOKA

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: Materials Developer II – HOKA Footwear

Reports to: Materials Development Manager

Location: Portland, OR

The Role

The Materials Developer II for Hoka Footwear will play a crucial role in the product creation process, leveraging extensive materials expertise to spearhead the development of industry-leading performance materials for footwear application. This individual will partner with the material design team and product development team to drive key seasonal material initiatives aimed at elevated athletic performance and sustainability. Regular collaboration with product teams, innovation, factory partners and suppliers is essential to research and deliver commercially viable material options that meet rigorous performance, aesthetics and seasonal timelines. Additionally, the ideal candidate will proactively provide solutions and alternatives to address material challenges that may arise during footwear manufacturing.

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:

• Provide technical material advice for Hoka performance footwear throughout product creation cycle including but not limited to: prototyping, product briefing, design reviews and key development sample gates.
• Partner with material design to advance and identify key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor material technologies.
• Collaborate cross functionally with product design, product development, engineering, innovation, material design and product management to identify appropriate material usage for performance footwear manufacturing.
• Anticipate potential material manufacturing challenges ahead of time and suggest alternatives and/or solutions to mitigate product risk during development.
• 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, leadtimes and expectations to product teams to ensure materials are tested and commercialized on time.
• 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.
• Partner with sourcing and procurement team to ensure visibility to concerns or issues that may arise during product creation cycle.

Who You Are

• Detailed oriented – takes pride in staying organized among competing priorities.
• Creative with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic
• An enthusiastic learner and motivated team-player

We’d love to hear from people with

• Bachelors’ degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years relevant work experience which may include footwear product creation or material development, engineering or science.
• 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.
• 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.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills both verbal and written.
• 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.

$90,000 - $100,000 based on the Portland, OR market. 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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