Lead Designer, Graphic & Prints - HOKA Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Graphic & Prints - HOKA Apparel

Company: Deckers Brands

Location: Portland, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: September 09, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the execution of graphic and allover print designs for HOKA Apparel and Accessories, driving newness and speed to market.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Design, Material Design, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing, to ensure cohesive product stories and brand expression.

• Manage multiple seasonal creation calendars, including inline projects, collaborations, and Special Make-Up (SMU) projects, ensuring timely handoff of graphic and print schematics.

• Develop and present seasonal toolboxes and application strategies aligned with creative direction, contributing to category-level design strategy.

• Proactively explore unbriefed opportunities to push HOKA's creative expression and product innovation in apparel and accessories.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a GTM (Go-to-Market) and Design Operations context, focusing on the strategic execution of creative assets that directly impact product launches and brand positioning. The emphasis on speed, newness, and cross-functional collaboration highlights the operational aspects of design leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of graphics and allover prints for HOKA Apparel and Accessories on priority projects, ensuring alignment with seasonal briefs and franchise concepts.

• Develop innovative graphic and allover print solutions that support new creation, refresh strategies, and optioning for various product lines.

• Effectively manage multiple creation calendars across different project types (inline, collaborations, SMUs), overseeing the graphic and allover print schematic handoff process to development teams.

• Partner with direct team leadership and cross-functional partners to build seasonal design toolboxes and application strategies that align with the overall creative direction for HOKA Apparel.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Design, Material Design, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to ensure a holistic and cohesive product point of view from concept to final product.

• Contribute to the seasonal design strategy and provide input into the category-level design direction, ensuring innovation and brand relevance.

• Explore and propose unbriefed design concepts that challenge HOKA's expression and drive product innovation within the apparel and accessories categories.

• Maintain a strong understanding of apparel construction, materials, and the product development process to ensure designs are technically feasible and commercially viable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize not just creative output but also the operational management of design projects, including calendar management, cross-functional coordination, and strategic input. This indicates a need for strong project management and communication skills alongside design expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Product Design, or a related field.

Experience: 4–8 years of experience in apparel graphic design, with a specific focus on men's and women's performance products.

Required Skills:

• Advanced understanding of graphic and allover print processes, application techniques, and their impact on apparel and accessories.

• Strong knowledge of apparel construction, materials, and the end-to-end product development lifecycle.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, PowerPoint, and Lucid for design creation and presentation.

• Ability to translate seasonal trends, consumer insights, and brand concepts into commercially relevant graphic strategies.

• Strong understanding of color theory, palette usage, and effective application across different product categories.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design vision and rationale to diverse teams.

• A robust portfolio demonstrating graphic and print direction, trend interpretation, and successful product execution. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with generative AI platforms such as Midjourney or Vizcom for design exploration and ideation.

• Experience with performance apparel and an understanding of its unique design considerations.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials within the apparel industry.

• Experience in leading design projects or mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and familiarity with generative AI tools like Midjourney/Vizcom indicates a forward-thinking approach to design tools and processes. The emphasis on a strong portfolio underscores the need for candidates to visually demonstrate their capabilities in translating concepts into tangible products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of projects showcasing graphic and allover print design execution for apparel and accessories, demonstrating a range of styles and applications.

• Case studies or detailed project examples that illustrate the process from concept ideation, trend research, and insight translation to final product realization.

• Visual examples of how graphics and prints have been applied to different apparel categories (e.g., tops, bottoms, outerwear) and accessories.

• Evidence of understanding and application of color theory, material properties, and apparel construction in design solutions.

• Demonstrations of proficiency with required design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop) and any experience with generative AI tools. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including how they approach seasonal briefs, conduct trend research, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to articulate how they manage multiple design projects and calendars simultaneously, ensuring efficient handoffs and timely delivery of assets.

• Examples of how they have translated consumer insights and market trends into actionable design strategies and product-specific graphics.

• Understanding of how design outputs integrate into broader GTM (Go-to-Market) strategies, including merchandising and marketing collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, collaborate effectively, and contribute strategically to the GTM process. This includes demonstrating an understanding of the lifecycle from concept to market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $108,700.00 - $146,700.00 USD per year. This salary range reflects the estimated target for new hire salaries in Portland, Oregon. Individual pay will be determined by factors such as location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The recruiter will provide more specific salary details during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses: Programs designed to foster career development, reward success, and acknowledge employee contributions.

• Financial Planning and Wellbeing: Support for employees' financial goals, including income protection, expense management, and future investments.

• Time Away from Work: Comprehensive plans to support employees' needs for rest, family time, and personal health, encouraging them to recharge and return stronger.

• Extras, Discounts, and Perks: A variety of additional benefits, including generous employee discounts and community-based programs, enhancing the overall employee experience.

• Growth and Development: Extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development, aligning with the company's founding principle of pursuing passion.

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings designed to support a healthy lifestyle both at work and during personal time.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Lead Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Portland, Oregon, aligning with industry benchmarks for creative leadership positions. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering financial, personal well-being, and professional growth aspects, typical of established companies like Deckers Brands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories (specifically within the performance and lifestyle segments). HOKA, a brand under Deckers, is known for its innovation in running and outdoor footwear, now expanding significantly into apparel.

Company Size: Deckers Brands is a global company with a substantial employee base, indicating a structured but dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and significant market impact. This size suggests established processes but also room for individual influence.

Founded: Deckers Brands was founded with a spirit of innovation and passion, which continues to influence its culture. This history likely translates into a company that values creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and a commitment to quality and performance.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic & Print Design team is likely part of a larger Apparel Design division within HOKA, reporting to the Director of Color Design.

• This role requires close collaboration with Product Design, Material Design, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing teams, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated cross-functional structure.

• The team is expected to work in a hybrid model, with a strong emphasis on in-office collaboration (typically Tuesday-Thursday) to foster creativity and teamwork. Methodology:

• Design execution is driven by seasonal project briefs and franchise concepts, requiring a balance of new creation and refresh strategies.

• Emphasis on data-driven insights, trend analysis, and consumer feedback to inform design decisions and product strategies.

• A proactive approach to design exploration, encouraging "unbriefed opportunities" to foster innovation and push brand expression.

• Strong focus on process efficiency, including schematic handoffs and calendar management, to ensure speed to market.

Company Website: https://www.deckers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Deckers Brands, with its portfolio of distinct brands like HOKA, fosters a culture that values innovation and performance. The hybrid work model for this role suggests a balance between independent work and collaborative in-person sessions, crucial for creative ideation and team cohesion in design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead Designer position, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant responsibility for driving design strategy and execution within a specific product category (Apparel Graphics & Prints). It requires not only strong creative skills but also the ability to manage projects, influence stakeholders, and contribute to broader design direction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director, Color Design - HOKA Apparel. This implies a clear hierarchy within the design department, with opportunities to learn from senior leadership and contribute to higher-level strategic discussions. Collaboration extends broadly across Product Design, Merchandising, Development, and Marketing.

Operations Impact: As Lead Designer, the role's impact is directly tied to the visual appeal, storytelling, and differentiation of HOKA's apparel and accessories lines. Successful graphic and print designs can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue growth for the HOKA apparel category. This role is critical in translating brand identity into tangible product assets that resonate with the target market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in performance apparel graphics and print innovation, potentially becoming a recognized authority in the field.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with broader design management responsibilities, potentially leading a team of designers or overseeing larger design initiatives.

• Cross-Category Exposure: Gain experience across other HOKA product categories or potentially other Deckers Brands, broadening skill sets and understanding of the business.

• Strategic Contribution: Play a more significant role in shaping the overall design direction and GTM strategy for HOKA Apparel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title suggests a path towards management or a highly specialized expert role. The emphasis on innovation and cross-functional collaboration indicates that growth will involve not just creative execution but also strategic thinking and influencing broader business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Portland, Oregon, and operates on a Hybrid model, requiring typically 3 days per week in the office (Tuesday-Thursday). This suggests a dynamic office space designed to facilitate collaboration, brainstorming, and team synergy.

Office Location(s): Portland, Oregon, USA. This location is a hub for outdoor and athletic brands, offering a rich ecosystem of talent and industry connections.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, with mandatory in-office days, is designed to foster real-time collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and stronger team cohesion among designers and cross-functional partners.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially advanced visualization tools (generative AI platforms like Midjourney, Vizcom). The environment likely supports creative exploration and rapid prototyping.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow designers, directors, product teams, and merchandising departments, facilitating a shared understanding of project goals and brand vision.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility for remote work days, allowing for focused individual work, while in-office days are geared towards collaborative activities and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, indicating a company that values both focused individual work and the benefits of in-person collaboration for creative roles. Portland's status as an outdoor industry hub is also a significant environmental factor for potential candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative fit.

• Creative Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a detailed case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their process, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate briefs into impactful designs. This will likely focus on graphic and print application for performance apparel.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product Design, Merchandising, Development, and Marketing to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Leadership Interview: Discussion with the Director of Color Design and potentially other senior design or GTM leaders to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases graphic and allover print design for apparel, ideally performance-oriented.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process (research, ideation, execution), the challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. If you have experience with generative AI tools, showcase how you've integrated them into your workflow.

• Showcase Brand Understanding: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to understand and adapt to a brand's aesthetic, like HOKA's, and translate its identity into compelling graphics.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any designs led to specific business outcomes (e.g., strong sales, positive market reception), highlight these achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand HOKA's Aesthetic: Research HOKA's current apparel line, color palettes, graphic styles, and overall brand messaging. Identify what makes their designs unique.

• Practice Design Process Articulation: Be ready to walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale for creative choices, tool usage, and collaboration strategies.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about print techniques, material compatibility, apparel construction, and software proficiency.

• Think GTM: Consider how your designs contribute to the broader go-to-market strategy, including how they align with merchandising plans and marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead Designer role in a brand like HOKA will heavily emphasize both creative talent and operational execution. The portfolio review is critical, and candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and its impact on product and business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based graphic creation, logo design, and pattern development. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, creating textures, mockups, and raster-based graphics.

• PowerPoint: Necessary for creating presentations, mood boards, seasonal toolboxes, and communicating design strategies to stakeholders.

• Lucid: Likely used for process mapping, workflow visualization, or diagramming, indicating a need for understanding operational workflows beyond pure design.

• Generative AI Platforms (e.g., Midjourney, Vizcom): Familiarity is preferred, suggesting the company is exploring or integrating AI for design ideation, rapid prototyping, and trend exploration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design impacts sales and consumer engagement metrics is important. Familiarity with how design choices are informed by market data or analyzed post-launch would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are managed and distributed within product lifecycle management (PLM) systems or digital asset management (DAM) systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of both Adobe Creative Suite and generative AI tools highlights the company's commitment to leveraging both established and emerging technologies in its design process. Proficiency in Lucid suggests an appreciation for process documentation and operational efficiency within the creative function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Expression: A drive to push creative boundaries and express the HOKA brand through unique and impactful graphics and prints.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork and strong relationships with cross-functional departments (Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Development) to bring cohesive products to life.

• Speed & Agility: An operational focus on delivering newness and speed to market, requiring efficient processes and quick decision-making.

• Data-Informed Creativity: Using consumer insights, trend analysis, and market data to inform design choices, ensuring relevance and commercial success.

• Authenticity & Inclusivity: Embracing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as reflected in Deckers Brands' commitment to "Come as They Are" and being "Better Together."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands constant interaction with various teams, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate design vision effectively to non-designers.

• Process-Oriented: Working within structured seasonal calendars and handoff processes to ensure smooth product development and timely launches.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture where constructive feedback is given and received among designers and cross-functional partners to refine designs and improve product outcomes.

• Shared Vision: A collective effort to build seasonal toolboxes and ensure a unified brand expression across all apparel and accessories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Together, Every Step" and "Come as They Are" at Deckers Brands suggests a culture that champions inclusivity, collaboration, and shared progress. For a design role, this translates to a team environment that values diverse input and collective achievement in bringing products to market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Identity with Newness: Continuously innovating graphics and prints for HOKA apparel while staying true to the brand's established performance-driven aesthetic and target audience.

• Speed to Market Demands: Meeting aggressive seasonal timelines and project deadlines in a fast-paced apparel industry, requiring efficient workflow and rapid design iteration.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse perspectives and priorities across multiple departments (Merchandising, Product Development, Marketing) to ensure designs are both creative and commercially viable.

• Integrating New Technologies: Effectively leveraging emerging tools like generative AI into the design process while maintaining quality and brand integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master new graphic design, print application, and digital design techniques.

• Brand Strategy Immersion: Deeper understanding of HOKA's brand strategy, consumer insights, and market positioning, enabling more impactful design contributions.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining exposure to product development, merchandising, and marketing operations, broadening understanding of the apparel lifecycle.

• Leadership Training: Potential for mentorship and development programs focused on leading creative teams, managing projects, and influencing strategic decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a dynamic challenge of blending creative innovation with operational efficiency in a rapidly evolving market. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise, expanding strategic influence, and potentially moving into leadership roles within the design function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new graphic or allover print collection for a performance apparel brand like HOKA. How do you balance trend research with brand identity?" (Focus on your workflow, research methods, and how you ensure brand alignment.)

• "How would you approach collaborating with Product Development and Merchandising teams to ensure your graphic designs are technically feasible and commercially successful?" (Highlight your cross-functional communication and problem-solving skills.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to innovate with graphics or prints. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio that demonstrates creativity and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about HOKA as a brand, and how do you see your design aesthetic contributing to its apparel line?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest in the brand.)

• "Deckers Brands emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. How do you incorporate these values into your design process and team collaborations?" (Connect to the company's stated values and your personal approach.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, new technologies (like AI), and consumer preferences in the apparel industry?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.

• Narrative is Key: For each project, tell a compelling story. Explain the problem, your unique solution, the process you followed, and the results achieved. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed your time, collaborated with others, and ensured timely delivery or successful integration into the product.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific software techniques and your experience with any emerging tools like generative AI.

• Brand Fit: Clearly articulate how your skills and aesthetic align with HOKA's brand identity and the specific requirements of this Lead Designer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a strong understanding of the operational aspects of design—collaboration, process management, and strategic contribution to the Go-to-Market strategy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Deckers Brands careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in apparel graphic and print design, performance product focus, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with generative AI tools. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "contributed to X% increase in product line appeal").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure they demonstrate graphic and allover print execution for apparel, showcasing your design process, technical skills, and understanding of brand aesthetics. Prepare to present these projects with a clear narrative.

• Prepare for the Design Challenge: Anticipate a design exercise or detailed portfolio walkthrough. Research HOKA's current apparel line, brand aesthetic, and target audience to inform your approach and responses.

• Research Deckers Brands & HOKA: Understand the company's mission, values (especially around diversity and innovation), and HOKA's position in the market. Be ready to discuss how your values and working style align with their culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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