Vans : Vice President, Design & Innovation

Vice President, Design & Innovation, Global Vans

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.

A day in the life of a Vice President, Design & Innovation at Vans looks a little like this.

Serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) reporting directly to the Global Brand President, you will be entrusted with setting the product design vision, strategies, and standards across our global product categories. Bringing your own flavor of creativity and leadership, you will guide the Footwear and Apparel / Accessories product design teams, inspiring them to create magic and innovation in every step and stitch.

You are also a leader within the broader multi‑branded VF design community with accountability to VF's Chief Design Officer.

Let's break down that day‑in‑the‑life a bit more.

• Define, champion and protect a global brand design philosophy aligned to Brand DNA for all product categories with a significant focus on driving commercial designs that create excitement with our consumers
• Champion product vision and strategy within your teams and the broader brand ensuring cohesive execution for consumers
• Lead global long‑term and seasonal product design direction which includes executing pre‑season concepting
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, mentorship and inspiration to a diverse team of designers, while driving alignment of the total product line
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement promoting professional growth and development of the team
• Partner with global product leaders and regional partners while directing design approach to create compelling product stories on a seasonal and annual basis
• Manage the design process budget, including design cost, to deliver on financial targets and KPI including gross margin, style complexity, global commonality, and ultimately sell‑through of product

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 20+ years of experience and professional achievements.

• You are a creative and innovative leader with an engaging and inspiring executive disposition
• You possess the business acumen and consumer understanding with an ability to drive execution and decision‑making
• You have a proven history of building strategic working relations with trust and effective communication, and deliver on your commitments
• In building and maintaining a successful team, you coach and develop others with empowerment and by facilitating change while leveraging cultural diversity
• With your leadership skills, you sell the vision, build organizational talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and coach and develop others by leading change
• As you establish strategic direction, you drive for execution with a passion for results
• With global acumen, you cultivate networks with compelling communication, influence, and cultural and interpersonal relationships
• Your proactive approach to identifying the root cause of issues is instrumental in helping you and your teams to seek the best solutions with a values driven commitment to do what is right

At Vans, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you.…