Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

Develop and steer the Culture Collaborations and Partnerships design vision into product expression in partnership with the product creation team. The Senior Design Director will drive one holistic strategy for partnerships in NAM across footwear, apparel and accessories and will foster a one team mentality within our design community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and foster creativity within the design team to ensure that the Company creates and manufactures products that meet the needs of the Partner and customers.
• Collaborate with development to find new and more innovative methods of working to improve products and product ranges.
• Drive partnership marketing strategies that can be implemented throughout Design.
• Close collaboration with Product Marketing and Development to implement strategies, concepts, and projects the overall succss.
• Manage, supervise, and provide feedback and development opportunities for teams.
• Provide designs for key projects to demonstrate leadership and set a high standard of design excellence.
• Inspire and motivate teams to pursue cutting-edge ideas that are innovative in the market.
• Represent and lead a strong multi-disciplinary Design team when in contact with internal and external parties.
• Be up to date on consumers, cultural trends, fashion, sports culture, and athletic findings across multiple categories and disciplines.
• Influencing and working closely with Partner(s) on design direction.
• Oversees all Design Direction from Concepts through Development and GTM launches; ensures design and performance objectives; delivers holistic creative process, market research, storytelling, and product design execution.

Key Relationships:

• Product Marketing
• External Partner(s)
• External Agencies & Creative Resources
• Concept to Consumer
• Product Operations
• Costing and Development
• Project Management

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Profound textile, graphic, footwear/apparel design knowledge, and credible expertise
• Holistic thinker, can establish and drive end-to-end design strategy and initiatives
• Inspirational and visionary leader
• Strong presentation, planning, and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong influence skills and change management
• Ability to manage a team of personnel, direct and indirect
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Comprehensive knowledge of product design with a clear understanding of the athletics market and its culture
• Practical knowledge in the field of computer design software/systems and MS Office
• Display and model innovative, resilient, and empathetic mindsets

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (4 years) from a college/university in the field of Industrial Design or Art / minimum of 10 years of experience in the respective field or an equivalent combination out of education and experience
• At least 5+ years experience of leading Design teams
• Practical experience in the field of Design, including management experience
• Comprehensive knowledge in product design with a clear understanding of the athletics market and its culture
• Deep understanding of the North America Market preferred; Streetwear a plus
• Fluency in English