Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Lead

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: Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Lead
Reports to: Chief Digital and Data Officer
Location:  Remote

Interested applicants must reside in one of the following approved states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington

The Role

The Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Lead will drive the identification, development, and implementation of emerging technologies to improve consumer experiences, product creation, and supply chain efficiency, and explore how emerging technologies can used for new capabilities and business models. This role will apply a data-driven approach, focusing on consumer insights and measurable business outcomes. Working cross-functionally, and with external eco-systems of partners, start-ups, the Lead will execute innovation projects in an agile manner to improve connected consumer experiences, connected products, towards the long-term strategy and objectives of the company (improved consumer experiences, optimized business operations, to improve overall top and bottom line towards the purpose of Do good and do great.

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

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

Emerging Technology Research & Strategy:

• Continuously assess and identify digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT, sensor technologies, and blockchain that align with long term business needs.
• Focus on applying these technologies to create tangible consumer benefits (e.g., personalization, convenience) and business outcomes (e.g., operational efficiency, improved forecasting and allocation, increased revenue and profitability, and improved sustainability performance).
• Develop a long-term strategy that aligns innovation initiatives with the company's overarching business goals, driving both customer engagement, digital supply chain, and financial performance.

Agile Project Management with Outcome Orientation:

• Lead digital innovation projects using Agile frameworks, with a focus on iteration to quickly delivering value to the business and consumers.
• Set clear goals for each project that are aligned with specific consumer and business outcomes, such as increasing customer satisfaction, reducing time to market, or enhancing supply chain efficiency.
• Regularly review project performance metrics and pivot as necessary to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Consumer and Business Value Orientation (Data driven):

• Omni Connected Consumer Experiences - Leverage internal and external consumer data to innovate new experiences through new emerging technologies (retail, eCom, customers)
• Data-Driven Product Creation – Leverage data platforms, AI, to ensure faster prototyping and iteration cycles, to reflect consumer demand and business objectives (time-to-market and responsiveness, sell-through, gross margin, improved sustainability)
• Connected and data driven Supply Chain & Operations – Leverage existing and emerging technologies, to create a connected, real-time consumer data driven supply chain (digital twin supply chain), to improve leadtime, distribution, inventory, reducing waste, improve automation, lower operational costs, contributing to top line and bottom-line improvements, and in the end improved consumer experience.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Orchestration:

• Develop partnerships with external technology providers, startups, and research institutions to introduce cutting-edge, data-driven solutions that enhance business performance and consumer experiences.
• Ensure partnerships are selected and managed with clear business outcomes in mind, focusing on technologies that can drive measurable improvements in consumer engagement, product development, or supply chain efficiency.
• Maintain a close connection to the innovation ecosystem, ensuring the company is leveraging best practices and gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Business Impact Measurement:

• Develop and maintain a robust data infrastructure that enables the collection, analysis, and interpretation of real-time data across all innovation projects.
• Use advanced analytics and AI to evaluate the performance of consumer-facing initiatives and business operations.
• Regularly report on key innovation KPIs—such as customer acquisition cost, lifetime value (LTV), retention, and operational efficiency—to ensure initiatives are delivering clear business value.
• Lead the organization in making data-informed decisions, continually refining strategies to maximize business outcomes and drive profitability.

Who You Are

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, influence stakeholders, and drive alignment on innovation priorities.
• A passion for footwear, apparel, and retail, coupled with a strategic mindset oriented towards digital transformation and business growth.
   

We’d love to hear from people with

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Technology, Business, or a related field.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• +10 years of experience in digital innovation, product development, or supply chain management within retail, footwear, apparel, or consumer goods.
• Proven experience in utilizing data-driven insights to deliver measurable consumer and business outcomes, with a strong focus on personalized consumer experiences and operational efficiency.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies (AI, AR/VR, IoT, blockchain) and their applications in retail, particularly in driving data-informed decision making.
• Experience managing agile projects with clear business objectives and measurable outcomes.

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.
   

$190,000 - $210,000

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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