Vans: Senior Director, Footwear Design

Now that you’ve found the job

description:

, what’s 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. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s 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 www.vans.com. What will you do? A day in the life of a Senior Director, Footwear Design at Vans looks a little like this. The Senior Director, Footwear Design operates within the Global Footwear Design team, supporting Vans’ Global team and influencing seasonal direction.

This role partners closely with Product Merchants, Development, and other Design leaders to ensure cohesive seasonal strategies and commercially viable products. The Senior Director leads the creative vision and execution for footwear collections, driving innovation, brand integrity, and consumer relevance while meeting financial and margin targets.

In addition, this role will lead and develop a team of footwear designers, fostering creativity and collaboration to deliver best-in-class design solutions. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Footwear Design and Innovation. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Lead the seasonal footwear design vision by translating brand strategy into innovative, consumer-relevant collections that meet financial and margin targets.
• Drive concept development and execution of new models, technologies, and advanced materials, ensuring designs are functional, feasible, and commercially viable.
• Oversee creation of high-quality design packages including sketches, tech specs, colorways, and presentation tools for internal reviews and go-to-market meetings.
• Manage and mentor a team of designers (in-house and external), fostering creativity, collaboration, and accountability while meeting corporate timelines.
• Ensure brand integrity and consistency across all footwear categories through design language, trims, and storytelling that reinforce Vans’ identity.

Partner cross-functionally with Product Merchants, Development, Sourcing, and Costing teams to align on briefs, meet margin

requirements:

, and deliver market-ready products.

• Monitor and optimize design process to meet KPIs including gross margin, complexity, and timely delivery, while supporting advanced concept integration.
• Collaborate with other design leaders to maintain cohesive seasonal direction and share best practices across categories.

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:

you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal

education:

in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 12+ years of

experience:

and professional achievements. The foundation

skills:

you will need in this position are: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Product Design, or a related field required. Master’s degree in Design, Business, or Innovation is a plus. Proven footwear design expertise with deep knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes.

Strategic design leadership

experience:

, 12+ years in footwear design with a track record of leading teams and delivering innovative, market-relevant products. Strong trend awareness and ability to translate consumer insights, cultural movements, and global fashion trends into compelling design solutions. Creative vision and storytelling

skills:

to develop brand-right concepts that resonate with consumers and reinforce Vans’ identity. Technical proficiency in design tools and platforms (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems) and ability to produce accurate tech packages. Cross-functional collaboration

skills:

to partner effectively with Product Merchants, Development, Sourcing, and Costing teams. Business acumen with understanding of costing, target margins, and commercial viability to ensure designs meet financial objectives.

• Mentorship and team development

experience:

to inspire creativity and foster growth within a diverse design team. Strong presentation and storytelling

skills:

for internal and external audiences. Ability to influence and align multiple stakeholders across design, product, and development teams.

Experience:

managing complex design calendars and driving process improvements. undefined Location requirement: Hybrid schedule in-office in Costa Mesa, CA. There are also a few

skills:

that are not required but preferred.

Experience:

working with global brands and understanding regional market nuances. Background in integrating advanced concepts and emerging technologies into footwear design. Familiarity with sustainable design practices and innovative material sourcing. undefined 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 MyVF

Benefits:

.com and click “Looking to Join VF”. To learn more

about:

Vans‘ Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.vans.com. Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in? Hiring Range: $221,011.20 USD - $276,264.00 USD annually Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional

compensation:

awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional

compensation:

eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process. Long-Term Incentive Potential: This position is eligible to participate in a Long-Term Incentive Plan. Specific details of the plan 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 year's medical plan rates on www.MyVF

benefits:

.com 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 data. In 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 individual’s 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 peopleservices@vfc.com. 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. VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®.

Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders.

VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.

VF is an equal employment

opportunity:

employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.

VF is committed to meeting the diverse needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner that is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of

opportunity:

, and will do so by striving to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility wherever possible as well as by meeting the accessibility

requirements:

under the ADA, AODA, and other applicable state, local or provincial regulations. VF is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA and complying with the ADA and AODA Standards for Accessible Design, and other applicable regulations.

If you need an accommodation or have any questions regarding this statement, please send your request to PeopleServices@vfc.com.