Brand Creative Director

Job Description: Brand Creative Director
Reports to: VP, Marketing
Location: Carlsbad, CA (hybrid)

About REEF:

At REEF, we’re more than a premium footwear brand; we’re a community built on a deep love for the beach, surf culture, and creating high-quality products that fit active, adventurous lifestyles. For over 30 years, we’ve blended innovation with comfort, style, and versatility, making us a global leader in footwear.

As industry pioneers, we are committed to setting the standard for environmental and social responsibility. We prioritize sustainable design using water-based glues, recycled materials, and other low-impact innovations while actively supporting organizations like Urban Surf 4 Kids and the Surfrider Foundation. Beyond our products, we empower our employees and brand advocates to give back, fostering a culture of purpose and impact.

Role Overview:

We are searching for a Creative Director that will lead the execution and integration of REEF’s creative output across all consumer touchpoints, translating brand strategy and product stories into compelling, high-performing creative.

This role is responsible for bringing ideas to life in a way that feels distinctive, culturally relevant, and unmistakably REEF, connecting brand storytelling to business impact. You’ll partner closely with Brand Marketing, DTC, and Product teams to shape seasonal campaign direction, ensuring everything we put into the world is cohesive, intentional, and built to perform. This is a full-time, exempt position. Employees are required to work a hybrid schedule. (3) Days in office at our HQ in Carlsbad, and (2) Days Remote.

Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership & Execution

• Lead the development and execution of seasonal campaigns and creative assets across channels (retail, ecomm, social, video)
• Translate high-level campaign direction into clear, actionable creative output
• Actively contribute to concepting, art direction, and creative problem-solving
• Ensure all work reflects a cohesive brand voice, aesthetic, and storytelling approach

Integration & Business Alignment

• Drive alignment across brand and performance creative, ensuring work is both compelling and effective
• Partner closely with Brand Marketing, DTC, and Product teams to deliver creative that supports key business priorities
• Contribute to creative that isoptimizedfor engagement, conversion, and brand building

Process & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day creative workflow, timelines, and prioritization working closely with creative services manager
• Improve processes to enable faster, more efficient output without sacrificing quality
• Ensure clear communication and alignment across all cross-functional partners

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team across Art Direction, Copy, and Video
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving
• Provide clear feedback and direction to elevate both individual and team performance

Requirements:

• Proven experience leading creative for a consumer brand (footwear, apparel, or lifestyle preferred)
• Strong ability to translate brand strategy into effective, high-quality creative execution
• Experience working across both brand and performance channels (campaigns, paid media, ecomm, social)
• Demonstrated ability to balance creative thinking with business objectives
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing creative teams
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong cross-functional collaborator with excellent communication skills
• Hands-on mindset with willingness to contribute directly to the work
• Deep understanding of digital ecosystems and content-driven marketing
• Passion for REEF, surf culture, and the Southern California lifestyle

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:
REEF Lifestyle LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Pay Transparency:
REEF Lifestyle LLC complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding pay transparency. For positions located in California, the hourly range or salary for this role is $175-215k. Please note that final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's qualifications and experience. Additional benefits and compensation details will be shared during the offer process.

Reasonable Accommodations:
REEF Lifestyle LLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us directly. At-Will Employment: Employment at REEF Lifestyle LLC is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or REEF Lifestyle LLC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.