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 Director of Footwear Merchandising is responsible for leading the creation and execution of the seasonal product merchandising strategy across channels, ensuring assortments are consumer-right, market-relevant, and financially sound. This role acts as the voice of the marketplace within the product creation process and works cross-functionally with design, development, brand, and sales teams to build assortments that drive growth across both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. The Senior Director will play a pivotal role in assortment planning, seasonal storytelling, and special make-up (SMU) execution, blending data-driven insights with consumer and marketplace intuition.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead seasonal assortment planning and line architecture across, ensuring alignment with product strategy, consumer insights, and business goals.
- Collaborate closely with wholesale and DTC sales teams to create strategic channel/account assortments with consideration for in-store experience.
- Conduct comprehensive sales analysis and product performance reviews to inform future line planning and identify opportunities for margin, productivity, and SKU efficiency improvements.
- Influence and impact the execution of market-relevant SMUs in collaboration with product creation and commercial teams.
- Act as the voice of the marketplace, translating consumer and account needs into actionable briefs and insights for product creation teams.
- Partner with Brand Marketing and Sales to build seasonal go-to-market and launch plans that amplify product stories and drive business objectives.
- Monitor competitive landscape and retail trends to ensure assortments are differentiated and brand appropriate.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field.
- 12-18 years of progressive experience in merchandising, preferably in the footwear, apparel, or consumer goods industry.
- Proven track record of leading and growing product assortments across multiple channels.
- Experience working with both wholesale and DTC sales teams and understanding of their distinct needs.
- Excellent cross-functional leadership and communication skills; proven ability to influence across design, development, marketing, sales, and planning.
- Strong strategic thinking paired with a bias for action and results.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building structure in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Strong presentation and storytelling skills; able to clearly articulate assortment strategies and seasonal narratives.
- Knowledge of merchandising systems and line planning tools.
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $170,000 to $200,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus of 14-28%; 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 Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.