OluKai Creative Project Manager

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

OluKai is looking for a Creative Project Manager located in Irvine, CA. This role sits at the intersection of creative and marketing - the person who makes the work happen on time, on budget, and at the standard OluKai demands. You will spearhead the operational rhythm of the Creative department: from brief intake through final delivery, from photoshoot pre-production through delivery. You are not just tracking tasks - you are protecting creative quality by building the systems and schedules that give the team space to do their best work.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities include, but are not limited to)

- Ensure successful traffic of workflow between Creative and Marketing teams. Manage calendars, budgets and deliverable schedules to ensure projects are executed on time and within budget. Identify, develop and implement processes and procedures as required to streamline work.

- Coordinate with Creative leads to manage creative resources, including staff as well as the freelance roster, against project workflow. Identify and problem-solve any potential bottlenecks in workflow. Manage overall design time allocated for each individual project. Communicate timing, and changes of timing, to project owners.

- Coordinate with creative and marketing staff to ensure individual projects are being executed on time and within budget. Drive projects to completion by providing direction and support as needed. Update weekly project status reports for team briefings.

- Lead pre-production of photoshoots, including coordinating with Creative leads on communication with on-site producers, sourcing products for the shoot, and managing other pre-shoot logistics.

- Manage final file delivery for all projects, print and digital. Maintain a thorough understanding of file types for both forms of creative and all final delivery methods.

- Oversee final project production including printing processes from scheduling, delivering of files, proofing, and overseeing final quality control (ie press checks) of all production.

- Source and manage vendor relationships, including printers, builders and other production partners, as well as materials such as paper stocks and special production techniques.

- Coordinate administrative needs of the department, including sample requests, promo orders, media filing and archiving, supply purchasing and any other general administrative requests.

- Manage digital asset management and DAM software including but not limited to asset uploads and appropriate tagging.

- Track and manage vendor billing from initial estimate through final invoice, including reconciling charges against approved budgets, flagging discrepancies, and maintaining accurate records for all production-related expenditures.

Experience and Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree required - BA/BS degree in Business, Marketing, or other related discipline.

- This position requires solid experience as a Project Manager. 3-6 years of related professional experience preferably in footwear or apparel with retail experience.

- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced creative environment, without losing detail or composure while maintaining a team first attitude.

- Strong command of Google Workspace and Microsoft SharePoint; proficiency in Adobe Acrobat; working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

- Asana proficiency required. Expected to build and own project workflows, set dependencies, and use workload and reporting views to proactively manage capacity and deadlines across the team.

- Some familiarity with AI-assisted project tools, prompt-based workflows, or emerging production software

- Solid understanding of print production processes - proofing, press-checking, vendor coordination - and digital delivery standards.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to leadership and cross-functional teams.

- Thorough understanding of brand marketing principles, product launch planning and marketing collateral development.

- Comfort operating in a role where the scope evolves with the season - adaptability is as valued as process.

- Actively seeks out AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies, adapting quickly to leverage them for improved productivity, deeper insights, and more effective processes, while exercising sound judgment and maintaining compliance with organizational standards

- A genuine passion for premium consumer branding and ocean lifestyle

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 $80,000 - $110,000 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

- Company bonus program

- 5 year and 10 year Anniversary gifts to Hawaii and other desirable destinations

- 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 [email protected]. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.