Studio & Design Director

Description

At Vibram, we’re driven by curiosity, creativity, and innovation. We value bold thinking, diverse perspectives, and a passion for pushing boundaries. We’re looking for achievers and forward-thinkers who are ready to make an impact and help shape what’s next.

We're looking for an inspiring and visionary Studio & Design Director to lead the evolution of our Portland Studio into a world-class hub for product creation, design, innovation, athlete engagement, and testing. This is a unique opportunity to build the future of our North American Product Creation organization while collaborating with global leaders, designers, product developers, and commercial teams. You'll play a pivotal role in creating innovative products that push the boundaries of performance and design.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most iconic performance brands. You'll have the chance to build a world-class innovation studio, influence the next generation of footwear, collaborate with talented global teams, and help define the future of Product Creation at Vibram. If you're passionate about footwear, ready to lead innovation, inspire exceptional teams, and create products that move the industry forward, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Lead the Portland Studio

• Establish and lead all in-line product creation activities based in Portland.
• Develop and execute the long-term vision for the Portland Studio as a premier destination for innovation, prototyping, testing, and collaboration.
• Drive product innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization readiness.
• Collaborate closely with Boston-based Product Creation teams to establish a unified approach to innovation and development.
• Support global and regional business opportunities through advanced product solutions and technical expertise.
• Ensure projects are executed with clear timelines, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
• Own the strategic direction, operation, and continuous evolution of the Portland Innovation Lab.
• Establish the Lab as a premier destination for innovation, collaboration, prototyping, testing, and customer engagement.
• Oversee lab resources, equipment, maker spaces, testing capabilities, and operational budgets.
• Develop and implement best practices for prototype creation, concept validation, and innovation processes.
• Identify emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing techniques, and consumer trends that can create competitive advantage for Vibram and its partners.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and disciplined innovation.

Inspire and Develop a High-Performing Design Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a talented team of footwear designers.
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and accountable team culture.
• Recruit and retain top design talent while building organizational capability for future growth.
• Partner closely with global design leadership to ensure alignment across regions.
• Act as a role model for Vibram's values and leadership principles.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Product Management, Design, Marketing, Sales, Innovation, Operations, and Global Product Creation teams.
• Support customer engagements, strategic partnerships, and co-development opportunities.
• Represent Vibram during industry events, innovation forums, customer meetings, and strategic presentations.
• Serve as a bridge between North American initiatives and global Product Creation activities.

Provide Strategic Leadership

• Help shape the future Product Creation and Innovation strategy for Vibram North America.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, capabilities, and organizational effectiveness.
• Bring forward new ideas, consumer insights, and emerging trends that strengthen Vibram's competitive advantage.
• Provide thought leadership on future product creation methodologies, consumer trends, and innovation opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Development, Engineering, Biomechanics, Materials Science, Business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in footwear product creation, design, development, engineering, or innovation.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams in a global organization.
• Deep understanding of footwear construction, product development, manufacturing, testing, and commercialization.
• Experience launching innovative products from concept to market.
• Experience working within performance footwear, outdoor, running, or technical consumer products is highly preferred.
• Experience collaborating with athletes, testing programs, or consumer validation initiatives is a plus.

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.