Brand Creative Director

Overview
Job Description : Brand Creative Director
Reports to: VP, Marketing
Location: Carlsbad, CA (hybrid)

About REEF: At REEF, we’re more than a premium footwear brand; we’re a community built on a deep love for the beach, surf culture, and creating high-quality products that fit active, adventurous lifestyles. For over 30 years, we’ve blended innovation with comfort, style, and versatility, making us a global leader in footwear.

As industry pioneers, we are committed to setting the standard for environmental and social responsibility. We prioritize sustainable design using water-based glues, recycled materials, and other low-impact innovations while actively supporting organizations like Urban Surf 4 Kids and the Surfrider Foundation. Beyond our products, we empower our employees and brand advocates to give back, fostering a culture of purpose and impact.

Role Overview: We are searching for a Creative Director that will lead the execution and integration of REEF’s creative output across all consumer touchpoints, translating brand strategy and product stories into compelling, high-performing creative. This role is responsible for bringing ideas to life in a way that feels distinctive, culturally relevant, and unmistakably REEF, connecting brand storytelling to business impact. You’ll partner closely with Brand Marketing, DTC, and Product teams to shape seasonal campaign direction, ensuring everything we put into the world is cohesive, intentional, and built to perform. 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

Creative Leadership & Execution

Lead the development and execution of seasonal campaigns and creative assets across channels (retail, ecomm, social, video)

Translate high-level campaign direction into clear, actionable creative output

Actively contribute to concepting, art direction, and creative problem-solving

Ensure all work reflects a cohesive brand voice, aesthetic, and storytelling approach

Integration & Business Alignment

Drive alignment across brand and performance creative, ensuring work is both compelling and effective

Partner closely with Brand Marketing, DTC, and Product teams to deliver creative that supports key business priorities

Contribute to creative that is optimized for engagement, conversion, and brand building

Process & Operations

Oversee day-to-day creative workflow, timelines, and prioritization working closely with creative services manager

Improve processes to enable faster, more efficient output without sacrificing quality

Ensure clear communication and alignment across all cross-functional partners

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop a team across Art Direction, Copy, and Video

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving

Provide clear feedback and direction to elevate both individual and team performance

Requirements

Proven experience leading creative for a consumer brand (footwear, apparel, or lifestyle preferred)

Strong ability to translate brand strategy into effective, high-quality creative execution

Experience working across both brand and performance channels (campaigns, paid media, ecomm, social)

Demonstrated ability to balance creative thinking with business objectives

Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing creative teams

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Strong cross-functional collaborator with excellent communication skills

Hands-on mindset with willingness to contribute directly to the work

Deep understanding of digital ecosystems and content-driven marketing

Passion for REEF, surf culture, and the Southern California lifestyle

Equal Opportunity & Compensation
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 $175-215k. 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.

Reasonable Accommodations: REEF Lifestyle LLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us directly. At-Will Employment: Employment at REEF Lifestyle LLC is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or REEF Lifestyle LLC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr