Vans: Senior Director, Footwear Design

Join VF Corporation as Senior Director of Footwear Design at Vans in Costa Mesa, Orange County. This full-time leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the creative vision and strategic direction of our iconic footwear portfolio, advancing a brand rooted in skateboarding culture and authentic youth expression.

About the Role

As Senior Director of Footwear Design, you will lead design excellence and innovation across the Vans footwear portfolio. This executive position establishes the brand's visual identity and product evolution, working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to bring visionary designs to market while maintaining the brand's authentic connection to skateboarding lifestyle.

What You'll Do

• Lead and mentor a creative design team, setting standards for aesthetic innovation and technical execution in footwear development
• Establish strategic design direction for seasonal collections and long-term product roadmaps aligned with brand values
• Collaborate with product development, engineering, and marketing teams to translate design concepts into manufacturable footwear
• Drive design-led thinking that honors brand heritage while responding to contemporary market trends and consumer insights
• Champion design quality and originality, ensuring products reflect Vans' commitment to skateboarding culture and authentic self-expression
• Represent the design function in executive leadership forums and strategic brand initiatives

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading design teams at the director level within footwear, apparel, or lifestyle product categories
• Comprehensive expertise in footwear design, materials, construction, and manufacturing processes
• Track record of successfully launching consumer products that resonate with target audiences
• Ability to translate brand vision and cultural relevance into compelling design strategy
• Deep understanding of skateboarding culture, youth lifestyle, and design innovation
• Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills

About VF Corporation and Vans

Vans represents a global movement centered on skateboarding authenticity, individual creativity, and youthful self-determination. As a cornerstone brand of VF Corporation, Vans creates footwear and apparel that inspire personal expression and progressive thinking. We believe in empowering individuals to embrace their unique identity through products designed for authentic lifestyle and action sports culture.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.