Head of Design & Innovation

Head of Design & Innovation

Reports to Chief Product & Merchandising Officer

San Francisco, CA

About the role :

We’re looking for an innovative and visionary Head of Design and Innovation to lead the strategy and execution of our product design function. This is a critical leadership role that will inspire and develop the design team while shaping the future of our growing brand by driving creative excellence and evolution, ensuring brand consistency, and delivering commercially successful and constantly evolving product assortments. This role will report to the Chief Product and Merchandising Officer and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Merchandising, Marketing, Product Development and Production.

What you’ll do :

Product Design Vision and Innovation :

Define and drive the overall product vision, aligning with Rothy’s brand : a comprehensive north star that identifies vision for product design that ladders up to seasonal and long-term recognition as Rothy’s.

Identify new innovations for Rothy’s to bring to market, providing options to bring to life, in collaboration with Merch leads, including Identify new materials, manufacturing techniques, constructions, categories and customer solutions

Evolve and define our product branding and design language through material developments, trim elements, product and insole branding evolution, outsole branding and connected packaging synergies.

Customer Curiosity & Market Research

Continuously canvas market for customer-curious ideas - customer benefits, issue solutions, new end uses - ideas that could thrill and surprise our customers

Use market cues and directional design insights to identify critical trends, and materials, and ensure they are in Rothy’s pipeline.

Be highly curious and informed of market trends, consumer insights, product selling patterns and competitive landscape to inform design direction and keep the brand relevant and forward-thinking.

Product Seasonal Strategy :

Lead the development of seasonal product design big product idea strategies that balance innovation with commercial viability.

Drive seasonal color palette, balancing commercial needs with must-have colors

Lead the design and development of product assortments by season

Oversee the creation of sketches, prototypes, and tech packs for new products, providing guidance, asking questions, offering new options and alternatives.

Team Development :

Develop, coach, and inspire a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, collaboration, and accountability.

Advocate for Design team needs and resource needs to ensure design is set up for success - identify needed tools, processes, human resources, professional resources, and advocate for them in advance of budgeting to ensure Design team has best in class opportunities

Product Execution :

Oversee the end-to-end design process, from concept to final sample approval, ensuring highest quality products are delivered to our customers

Manage speed to market process and execution to ensure chase products are as high quality as regular seasonal developments.

Take a key role in fit development, identifying initial fit blocks and ensuring product executes against intended fit, and that team is fully aligned to fit intention.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Partnership :

Partner with Merchandising, Product Development and Production to ensure designs meet pricing, margin, and production targets

Work closely with Product Development to identify and commercialize new materials for Rothy’s, exploring vendor relationships, attending trade shows, asking questions necessary to go to market confidently with new materials

Works across the brand with other VPs and leaders to collaborate on product vision, design and brand evolution, customer sentiment and patterns, GTM styling, retail and wholesale product expression, etc.

You have :

15+ years of experience in footwear design, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Proven track record of leading and inspiring a creative team to achieve results in a high-growth environment.

Strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate creative vision into seasonal design direction and commercially successful products.

Deep customer curiosity and empathy, always looking to understand what our customers love and crave from Rothy’s and from our market competitors

Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional partners.

Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes within the footwear industry.

Experience working with global sourcing and production teams.

Passion for design, innovation, and building a product-driven brand.

Our benefits :

Generous paid time off

401k matching

Comprehensive health plans for you and your family

Supplemental mental health benefits

Monthly wellness reimbursement

Dog friendly offices

Employee Discount Program!

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