What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Design Running Apparel position at PUMA Group?
SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy and all genders are welcome. Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.
YOUR MISSION:
We are looking for a design leader with a successful record to oversee PUMA’s International Running Apparel Collection. This person will be responsible for the execution of the Running Apparel line, bridging the gap between global run culture and PUMA’s overarching brand identity. This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for the running culture space—someone who understands that the modern runner demands gear that performs on the road and looks right in a social setting. This person will manage one direct report and report directly to the Senior Design Director of Running. Responsibilities include:
(Benefit Summary Corporate)
Pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
PUMA supports over 21,000 employees across 120 countries. The PUMA Group owns the brand PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
PUMA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of PUMA to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, physical or mental disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
YOUR MISSION:
We are looking for a design leader with a successful record to oversee PUMA’s International Running Apparel Collection. This person will be responsible for the execution of the Running Apparel line, bridging the gap between global run culture and PUMA’s overarching brand identity. This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for the running culture space—someone who understands that the modern runner demands gear that performs on the road and looks right in a social setting. This person will manage one direct report and report directly to the Senior Design Director of Running. Responsibilities include:
- Aesthetic Integration: Merge the current run culture design aesthetic with PUMA’s established creative direction to create a cohesive and aspirational product range.
- Product Execution: Lead the design of technical running apparel, ensuring a balance between functional performance (moisture management, mobility) and a run style-driven silhouette.
- Run Culture Pulse: Act as the internal expert on the run culture consumer, staying deeply connected to emerging trends, community run clubs, and the "street-to-track" aesthetic.
- Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and provide daily creative guidance to one direct report, fostering their professional growth and ensuring design excellence.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and Sourcing to ensure designs are commercially viable and technically feasible.
- Feedback & Quality: Work closely with the Senior Design Director to give and receive constructive feedback, ensuring all products meet PUMA’s quality and performance standards.
- Workflow Management: Maintain excellent time management and prioritize tasks within a fast-paced, global design calendar.
- Global Insight: Participate in market travel to international and domestic hubs to gather consumer insights and identify regional trends. Travel to factories to finalize prototypes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fashion and/or relevant field of study.
- 8 years relevant experience in the performance apparel design industry.
- Running Passion: A genuine enthusiast of run culture with a deep understanding of the runner’s wardrobe and aesthetic preferences.
- Design Execution: A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of apparel design, specifically showcasing the ability to blend technical performance with a modern, forward "look." Please also add your PORTFOLIO to your application
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of garment construction, performance fabrics, and fit standards tailored to the active runner.
- Collaborative Mindset: Ability to take high-level creative direction and translate it into specific, commercially successful apparel solutions.
- Software Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) for technical flats and high-fidelity rendering. Additionally, experience with 3D design tools like CLO 3D or Browzwear and a working knowledge of generative AI for rapid concept ideation are required to accelerate the design-to-sample workflow
- Innovation: Demonstrated ability to technically innovate to elevate the product's performance appeal.
- Communication: Excellent presentation and storytelling skills to pitch concepts and updates to the Senior Design Director and global stakeholders.
- Proficiency and refinement in all stages of presentation, from concept to final design review.
- Have a broad knowledge of apparel manufacturing and prototype making.
- Leadership capabilities, including ability to motivate and mentor others within work group.
(Benefit Summary Corporate)
Pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
PUMA supports over 21,000 employees across 120 countries. The PUMA Group owns the brand PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
PUMA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of PUMA to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, physical or mental disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.