Designer, Women’s Footwear

About REEF:

REEF was founded on a love for the beach, surfing, and a passion for creating high-quality products to fit active lifestyles. Over 30 years later, REEF has grown into a global footwear and apparel brand that connects people to the fun, freedom, and spirit of the beach. REEF offers comfort, style, and versatility for surfers and beach lovers alike. The team is a diverse group of beach enthusiasts, surfers, artists, and innovators driven by the same passion and relentless spirit of the founders.

Role Overview:

As a footwear designer, your focus will be designing new sandals and shoes for the women’s category.  You will work closely with your supervisor and the merchandizing team to create innovative designs that are distinct, consumer-centric and on-trend.  Additionally, you will assist the CGM Team (Color, Graphics & Materials) to reimagine existing product in new colors, materials and constructions.  You will combine your own insights with brand resources to help develop and execute seasonal themes, colors and materials. 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:

• Create a meaningful connection between Reef’s target female consumer and the brand vision through your designs.
• Design a diverse range of women’s specific footwear, from sporty sandals to casual shoes.
• With the guidance of supervisors, create clear and detailed tech packages for all new designs, including color CAD’s, upper tech packages and tooling blueprints.
• Be prepared to present your designs with strong verbal and visual execution.
• Travel with the team to overseas factories in China, sales meetings, select trade shows, and significant retail regions/districts.
• Develop and maintain productive, effective, and professional relationships with peers, superiors, vendors, and others.

Required Knowledge:

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, high-intensity atmosphere
• Knowledgeable and passionate follower of women’s cultural, fashion and related trends.
• Interested in and inspired by the beach lifestyle.
• Fluent in Adobe Illustrator and able to create high quality color CAD’s with minimal guidance.
• Interest in footwear construction. Desire to comprehend and create tech packages and blueprints.
• Ability to efficiently communicate your ideas in 2D.
• Highly motivated, team player.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Able to travel to international destinations.
• Must be able to carry, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to an office environment and must adhere to the rules and safety regulations of the facility.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or relevant experience.
• 3 years of footwear experience.

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 $80-$100k. 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.

Tagged as: california, carlsbad, designer, footwear, product design, reef, womens