OluKai · 3 days ago
OluKai Senior Footwear Designer
Irvine, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $180K/yr
12+ years expOluKai is a company that builds premium products for the ocean lifestyle, focusing on quality and environmental responsibility. The Senior Footwear Designer will create innovative footwear concepts, drive the design process, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling product solutions that resonate with consumers.
E-CommerceManufacturingSporting GoodsSports
Responsibilities
Lead the design of seasonal footwear concepts across multiple categories, from early sketch and ideation through final design handoff
Design and execute seasonal SMU programs, leveraging color, material, and graphic expertise to create consumer-right and market-relevant expressions
Partner with Merchandising to ensure designs align with consumer needs, market opportunities, and business goals
Collaborate closely with Development and Product Engineering to balance innovation, cost targets, and manufacturability
Translate seasonal narratives and brand storytelling into compelling footwear product solutions
Research and interpret cultural, fashion, and performance trends, bringing forward insights that drive modern, relevant, and differentiated design
Build and present design concepts, CADs, and prototypes to cross-functional teams, articulating both creative inspiration and technical rationale
Mentor and guide more junior designers, fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, and excellence
Partner with material and color design teams to ensure cohesive seasonal palettes and material executions across the line
Ensure all design work upholds the brand’s commitment to comfort, craft, and quality
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, or a related field
Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in footwear design, with a portfolio demonstrating both creative vision and commercial success
Expertise in footwear design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design software
Strong understanding of lasts, construction methods, materials, and manufacturing processes
Demonstrated experience in color, material, and graphic application, particularly in seasonal SMU execution
Proven ability to create product that balances innovation with consumer and business needs
Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across merchandising, development, and marketing functions
Strong storytelling and presentation skills; able to communicate design concepts with clarity and impact
Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining a high level of design quality and attention to detail
Passion for footwear, culture, and design innovation
Preferred
Experience in sneaker product classification strongly preferred
Benefits
Complimentary chef prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday
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, including but not limited to in-office gym and group fitness classes
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
Paid beach and giveback days, bi annual team building events and other in person celebrations
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
Dog friendly office
Company
OluKai
OluKai manufactures products for the ocean lifestyle, such as waterproof leather sandals, shoes, and boots.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$3.15M2010-02-16Debt Financing· $3.15M
Leadership Team
K
Kerry Konrady
Chief Marketing Officer
Recent News
Company data provided by crunchbase