Vans Senior Design Manager, Pinnacle Footwear

Now that youve found the job description whats next

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live Off The Wall embracing the youthful spirit of freedom non-conformity and relentless progression. Yesterdays Off The Wall moment is todays new normal and at Vans we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.

So before we get to the job details take a minute to learn a little more about us our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live Off the Wall Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture visit Vans Careers or .

What will you do

A day in the life of a Senior Design Manager Pinnacle Footwear at Vans looks a little like this.

As a Senior Design Manager Pinnacle Footwear you will work within the Footwear Design team focusing on creating innovative and brand-right collections for Vans. Youll collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including Merchandising Product Development Technical Design and Consumer Insights to deliver seasonal assortments that reflect Vans brand vision and cultural leadership. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Footwear.

Lets break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Drive the design development of Pinnacle Footwear collections in alignment with seasonal concepts brand vision and cultural leadership.

• Conduct trend consumer and business analysis to inform design strategies and ensure market relevance within the premium footwear segment.

• Lead the creation of innovative footwear concepts sketches and design specifications ensuring technical feasibility and brand-right execution.

• Oversee material selection color allocation and development of finishes managing sample reviews and final approvals for premium products.

• Inspire coach and motivate the Footwear Design team through seasonal collections and special projects fostering creative excellence.

• Implement sustainable design practices and process efficiencies through effective calendar management and tool optimization.

• Cultivate a collaborative and innovative environment that champions creativity progression and cross-functional alignment.

• Partner with global and regional teams (Merchandising Product Development Technical Design Consumer Insights etc.) to drive the GTM pipeline for Pinnacle Footwear.

• Manage the end-to-end design process from pre-season research and concept development through cost-engineering and bulk approvals.

• Ensure clear communication and alignment across all stakeholders involved in the product lifecycle to deliver premium brand-right collections.

• undefined

  What do you need to succeed

  We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role there are foundation skills youll need to succeed and excel. Additionally while formal education in a related field is great to have we are most interested in your 8-10 years of experience and professional achievements.

  The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

  Bachelors degree in Footwear Design Industrial Design or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  Minimum 35 years of leadership experience managing and developing design teams with a proven ability to coach mentor and elevate creative talent.

  Proficiency in design software and tools (Adobe Illustrator Photoshop 3D modeling tools PLM systems) with the ability to leverage technology for innovation and efficiency.

  Ability to translate consumer insights trend research and brand vision into innovative premium footwear concepts that drive category leadership.

  Demonstrated ability to set clear design direction and lead multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment ensuring priorities and deadlines are achieved through strategic calendar and process management.

  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the capability to integrate creative vision technical feasibility and commercial goals.

  Expertise in footwear construction materials lasts and manufacturing processes including cost-engineering considerations to balance creativity and business objectives.

  Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to lead influence and align global cross-functional teams toward shared strategic objectives.

  Proven ability to lead strategic alignment and decision-making across Merchandising Development and Planning teams driving consensus and influencing outcomes to achieve shared business and creative goals.

  undefined

  Location requirement: Hybrid schedule in-office in Costa Mesa CA.

  What do we offer you

  At Vans we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions a competitive compensation package and a strong benefits package that includes medical dental vision and 401(k).

  Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect connection and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.

  To learn more about Vans benefits package follow this and click Looking to Join VF.

  To learn more about Vans Diversity and Inclusion efforts go to .

  Now WE have a question for YOU.

  Are you in

Hiring Range:

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan sales incentive orcommissionpotential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered including this years medical plan rates on and by clicking Looking to Join VF Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay determining the specific compensation for this position we comply with all local state and federal laws.

At VF we value a diverse inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals race color sex gender identity gender expression religion age national origin or ancestry citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition family care status marital status domestic partner status sexual orientation genetic information military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process please contact us at . VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.