Lead Product Developer (Footwear Innovation)

Location: Portland, Oregon, hybrid; office attendance typically required three times per week, Tuesday–Thursday.

Salary: $108,700–$146,700 per year for new hires in Portland, Oregon.

Company

hirify.global develops and operates global footwear and lifestyle brands, including HOKA.

What you will do

• Develop next-generation footwear concepts from ideation through performance-validated prototypes.
• Lead hands-on rapid prototyping, systematic sampling, experiments, and testing plans to reach target performance metrics.
• Translate athlete problems and insights into novel constructions, manufacturing techniques, advanced materials, and differentiated product opportunities.
• Guide cross-functional creation teams, define project hypotheses and success criteria, and manage short- and long-term project plans.
• Drive critical-path activities, resolve development issues, and transition validated concepts to inline Product Development teams for commercialization.
• Build relationships with athletes, sports marketing, sourcing partners, vendors, and technology partners while scouting new innovation opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s, MBA, or PhD is preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive footwear-industry experience with a global company.
• Experience leading projects with global development teams, including Asia-based factories, suppliers, sourcing teams, and vendors.
• Knowledge of athletic footwear constructions, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated innovative product creation beyond briefed or seasonal products, including tangible demonstrators and prototypes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, create clear project plans, articulate success criteria, and adapt across cultures and working styles.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive and equitable workplace focused on authenticity, diversity, and belonging.
• Competitive compensation programs and bonuses.
• Financial planning and wellbeing programs.
• Paid time away supporting family, health, and recovery.
• Health and wellness programs, product discounts, community programs, and professional development opportunities.