Job Description
The Director of Innovation & Advanced Concepts, HOKA will lead the exploration, development and commercialization of Footwear advanced concepts to deliver transformational experiences through innovation to both our consumers and athletes. This role will act as a collaborative Innovation partner for the Corporate Innovation Team, the HOKA Innovation team, US & EU Sports Marketing teams and will interface directly with third party laboratories and organizations. This role will also compile biomechanic research, athlete insights, material science and learnings used to inform the build of Footwear across a broad range of categories.
Responsibilities
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional Footwear Innovation team including product development, materials development, product testing, and data analytics.
• Partner and collaborate with the In-Line Product Development, Engineering, Corporate Innovation, US & EU Sports Marketing and the HOKA Innovation teams to bring Innovation proof of concepts to market.
• Manage Innovation projects directly with strategic Tier 1 Innovation partner factories and coordination with Tier 2 suppliers and vendors.
• Align and collaborate with Sports Marketing to provide HOKA athletes with highly technical and innovative performance products for defined races, trials and athlete specific footwear.
• Work directly with Sports Marketing to trial and identify product strengths and opportunities via HOKA athlete team testing and feedback.
• Assist the research engine of HOKA by partnering with HOKA Innovation & Engineering to build prototypes as needed.
• Elevate HOKA product creation and development towards the highest performance standards via innovation exploration.
• Proactively seek, evaluate, monitor and integrate new technologies relevant to the industry and, in conjunction with peers and stakeholders, build best practices and standards for successful launch, development, testing, and validation.
• Identify in house and external testing prototyping and analysis capabilities. Interpret test results, solving for solutions to improve the build of product.
• Build best practices for incorporating biomechanic research and test data to inform future product builds.
• Develop and manage short, mid and long-track project management calendars with partners and key stakeholders to launch innovation products across defined timelines and deliverables.
• Create and align processes, project workloads, assignments, cross-functional interactions and deadlines to meet defined deliverables.
• Provide leadership and problem-solving support for US and Corporate Innovation Teams prior to project hand-off to identify potential construction, material, or cost concerns. Analyze designs, tech packs, materials and proposed constructions to identify and resolve any potential risks.
• Provide leadership to define and streamline the Innovation to In-line process to increase end-to-end accountability.
• Partner and collaborate with the Corporate Innovation team, HOKA Innovation team, Sports Marketing teams, Engineering, Athletes, 3rd parties, suppliers and vendors to deliver transformational product experiences through innovation.
• Identify new technologies including materials, construction, compounds and components while vetting via biomechanic research and testing capabilities.
• Ensure on-time delivery to meet key milestones and deliverables throughout projects’ lifecycles.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, coaching and support to the teams and our innovation partners.
Job Requirements
Education/Certifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Engineering, Biomechanics, or equivalent work experience.
• MBA Degree preferred.
Work Experience:
• 12 years progressive experience in the footwear industry for a global performance company.
• Expertise in advanced concepts, product testing, product development.
• Expertise and experience in building product specifications, material applications for product use and product constructions.
• Extensive knowledge of footwear construction types, materials, testing protocols and the ability to interpret test results.
• Experience in digital creation, footwear speed business models and sustainability.
• Experience managing the facets of product costing including factory labor, overhead and profit to ensure that product is delivered at target costs.
• 8 years of prior management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership role covering multiple categories, markets and/or genders.
Skills/Competencies:
• Knowledge of Microsoft and Adobe applications.
• Knowledge of digital tools and 3D modeling.
• Advanced project management, planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to build and cultivate a team environment to embrace creativity.
• Ability to mentor and teach to upskill team and partners.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion and general knowledge in sports of running, hiking, walking, and active lifestyle.
• Knowledge of FlexPLM or similar product management systems.
• Knowledge of Project, SmartSheets, Monday.com or similar project management systems.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally: factory visits, laboratory visits, Corporate HQ visits, conferences and seminars.