OluKai Senior Footwear Designer

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 that exists between people and the ocean, it is our Culture. We want to build a team of individuals who embrace this culture, and have a passion for providing premium products and service to our customers.

About the Role:

The Senior Footwear Designer is responsible for creating innovative and brand-right footwear concepts that combine consumer insights, functional performance, and premium craft. This role will drive the design process from concept through final product, bringing fresh ideas that elevate our existing franchises while introducing new opportunities for growth. Working cross-functionally with merchandising, development, and brand teams, the Senior Designer will balance creativity with commercial awareness to deliver product solutions that resonate with consumers across wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.

This role requires a deep understanding of materials, color, graphics, and construction, along with the ability to translate insights into compelling product stories. The Senior Designer will also play a key role in delivering seasonal SMU programs that bring differentiation and marketplace energy through color, print, and material execution. Experience within the sneaker category is strongly preferred, as this position will help drive both the evolution of existing franchises and the development of new footwear expressions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, or a related field.
• 12-18 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.
• Experience in sneaker product classification strongly preferred.
• 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.

Location & Office Structure: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in Irvine, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• 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

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.