Sr. Design Manager

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. Design Manager
Reports to:  Sr. Design Director, Women’s Fashion Footwear – UGG Footwear
Location:  Goleta, CA (Hybrid)

The Role:

We are looking for a Sr. Design Manager who will help lead the UGG brand into the future, promote design thinking, and direct the creation of brand-building, desirable Women’s footwear concepts. This role will represent the design discipline in overall leadership of the team, setting the example for creative excellence while working with Design Leadership to build a visual identity for the Women’s footwear collection, ensuring seamless connection across categories and product genders.

This person needs to be highly aware of fashion trends, creative and elevated taste level; having the understanding in how to translate, innovate and elevate the UGG Women’s product and still be true to the brand.

Under the direction of the Sr. Women’s Director of Design, this person will help to build the UGG Women’s footwear collection, stewarding our brand through the creation of fashion and bold innovative products and helping to elevate the brand and establish Ugg as a leader in the Women’s footwear space. This person will lead, teach, and mentor a team of diverse designers with various levels of experience.

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:

We’re looking for someone with an accomplished background in delivering consumer-led lifestyle and/or fashion products to a global marketplace, proven knowledge in brand strategy and creative vision, and experience leading within a design team.

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

1. Design Creation Process Management: - Manage the design creation process from concept to finished product, adhering to deadlines. - Design statement-level products that align with Ugg brand direction.

- Develop concepts, sketches, and product ideas. - Create artwork to evaluate styling, color, and design combinations.

2. Design Influencer, Mentor, and Collaborator: - Exhibit solid design skills and meet project deadlines. - Assist in training new team members. - Set style and color direction for projects. - Contribute to seasonal inspiration planning.

- Manage Designer II

3. Collaboration with Development and PLM Team: - Collaborate with development and PLM teams to design products within target cost. - Schedule meetings with internal and external partners. - Provide materials direction and specs fitting target requirements.

4. Expertise in Consumer and Market Trends: - Stay updated on current trends and translate them into commercial products. - Organize samples with the design team. - Attend seasonal kickoff meetings and participate in design travel. - Assist in travel and inspiration planning as required.

Who You Are

Strong Communicator, Creative Problem Solver, Team Player, Critical Thinker and highly organized.

We’d love to hear from people with

• Expertise in Women’s Fashion Footwear necessary.
• Strong knowledge of fashion trends and how to translate it into product.
• Strong technical understanding of different footwear constructions with ability to translate design concepts into detailed, precise specs and tech packs.
• Strong knowledge of footwear types across different categories and markets.
• Strong ability to translate consumer needs, aesthetic direction, and brand expression into desirable footwear products.
• Strong knowledge about materials, applications, possibilities and limitations.
• Strongly skilled in design software such Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and digital sketching programs. Working knowledge of 3D design programs is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in design related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years Footwear Design experience with lifestyle and/or fashion footwear.
• 2+ years people leadership and brand creative leadership.
• Experience working with Microsoft suite – Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel

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.

$160,000 - $170,000

The salary range posted reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in our Goleta, CA location. 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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