OluKai Director of Color, Graphics, & Materials (CGM)

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 Director of Color, Graphics & Materials (CGM) is responsible for shaping the visual identity of the OluKai footwear portfolio. This role sets the seasonal and long-range direction for color, materials, and graphics across all categories, ensuring every product reflects our brand ethos of comfort, craft, quality, and modern Hawaiian inspiration.

 

This leader will guide a team, integrate closely with Product Designers, and manage a roster of external creative partners. The ideal candidate brings a refined aesthetic, deep material and color expertise, a strong command of graphic language, and a track record of leading teams to deliver elevated, brand-right design solutions.

 

This role requires a deep understanding of color theory, trends, and materials to create compelling and market-relevant color stories that resonate with our customers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the footwear industry, a strong portfolio showcasing innovative color designs

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and drive the holistic creative strategy for seasonal color palettes, material stories, and graphic direction across all footwear lines.
• Lead the concepting and execution of color, graphic, and material narratives that support brand storytelling, seasonal concepts, and collaboration capsules.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of color, materials, and graphic designers.

• Partner closely with Product Designers to ensure CGM direction enhances and elevates product concepts through all phases of creation.
• Collaborate with Development and materials vendorrs to balance creative vision with manufacturability, cost, durability, and lead times.
• Work with Merchandising to align CGM strategy with assortment needs, franchise extensions, and consumer demand.
• Partner with Brand on early storytelling, visual expression, and alignment of palette/graphic direction with campaign moments.

• Direct external creative partners, illustrators, and material specialists, including brief creation, feedback loops, and delivery expectations.

• Present seasonal CGM direction, mood boards, and design rationale to internal leadership and cross-functional partners.

• Maintain and evolve CGM libraries, digital tools, workflows, and documentation.

 

 

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Fashion, Graphic Design, Material Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in color, materials, graphics, or product design, ideally in footwear or consumer products.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing creative teams.
• Proven experience integrating CGM direction with product design and development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage external creative talent and vendor partners.
• Strong portfolio showcasing sophisticated color work, graphic language, and deep material knowledge.
• Expertise in color theory, material construction, material sourcing, trend forecasting, and graphic design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and related design tools; familiarity with 3D tools is a plus.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Strong project management and organization skills; ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
• Passion for product creation with exceptional attention to detail and refinement.

 

 

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 $170,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based o