OluKai Footwear Design Director

Who We Are:

At OluKai, we build premium products for the ocean lifestyle. Our footwear is created using the highest quality materials and crafted into beautiful, functional and incredibly comfortable designs that reflect the spirit of the ocean lifestyle we all enjoy.

We are committed to creating quality products for our customers while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet. Our company philosophy is to be environmentally responsible as manufacturers and to pledge OluKai to actively support and work for a clean environment and a better quality of life.

Our customers and staff embody the connection between people and the ocean; it is our Culture. We want to build a team of individuals who embrace this culture and are passionate about providing premium products and services to our customers.

About The Role:

The Design Director will lead the creative vision and execution for our footwear assortment, ensuring that each product embodies the brand's ethos and meets consumer demands. This role requires a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about design, skilled at guiding a creative team, and experienced in leveraging new product creation capabilities, including AI-driven design tools and 3D modeling technologies. You will collaborate across design, product development, marketing, and merchandising teams to create innovative, trendsetting, and commercially viable footwear products.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Vision and Strategy: Develop and articulate a clear creative vision that aligns with the brand's overall design ethos, strategy and product goals. Ensure that all footwear collections reflect this vision.
• Design Leadership: Oversee all aspects of footwear design, from initial concept to final product, ensuring design excellence and attention to detail. Guide and mentor a team of designers to ensure their creative work aligns with the brand's aesthetic and product performance standards.
• Trend Analysis: Stay at the forefront of global fashion, design, and material trends to drive innovation. Conduct market research and competitor analysis to anticipate consumer needs and ensure product relevance.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with cross-functional teams including development, marketing, merchandising, and sourcing to ensure that design concepts are successfully executed from ideation through to product launch.
• Creative Storytelling: Develop compelling design narratives and storytelling that convey the inspiration, craftsmanship, and innovation behind each collection, working in tandem with the marketing team to bring these stories to life.
• Innovation and Materials: Lead exploration into new materials, technologies, and construction methods, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of design innovation.
• Process Management: Oversee the footwear design calendar, ensuring projects stay on track and meet key milestones from concept to final production.
• Consumer Focus: Ensure all designs resonate with target consumers and address their needs for functionality, style, and comfort, balancing creative vision with commercial viability.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Fashion, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 10-14 years of experience in footwear design with at least 5 years in a leadership or design director role.
• Proven experience leading creative teams and driving successful product launches.
• Strong knowledge of footwear construction, AI design tools, 3D modeling technologies, and materials.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a wide range of successful and innovative footwear designs.
• Ability to translate design trends into commercially successful products.
• Strong understanding of global fashion and cultural trends, with the ability to interpret them into a brand-specific vision.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Location: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in Portland, OR office. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

Benefits and Perks:

• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
• Growth opportunities within the Archipelago family of brands: OluKai, Kaenon, Melin, Roark
• Company bonus program
• 5 year and 10 year Anniversary gifts to Hawaii and other desirable destinations
• Wellness program
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company paid life insurance
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
• 15 Days of PTO plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Work with talented and great people who share a love of the ocean lifestyle
• OluKai is a Certified B Corporation with paid company service days

Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, 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 are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@arch-cos.com. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.