Materials Developer, Footwear & Textiles Innovation

OluKai; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Breakfast & lunch provided

Brand discounts

Company bonus

Hawaii gifts

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Beach and giveback days

Team events

B Corp status

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

OluKai is seeking a Materials Developer to lead end-to-end material development across leathers, textiles, trims and hardware for our premium footwear. You’ll drive seasonal material strategies, manage supplier relationships with the Asia Sourcing team, and champion innovations while safeguarding cost, sustainability and manufacturability.

You’ll collaborate with Design, Product Development and Sourcing, ensuring alignment with product intent and timelines, including travel to factories and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in textiles or related field.
• 5+ years in materials or textile development, footwear preferred.
• Deep knowledge of leathers, textiles, trims and hardware.
• Footwear-related materials experience is a plus.
• Vendor management and material innovation track record.
• Sustainability programs knowledge (e.g., bluesign, LWG).

Responsibilities

• Lead material development from concept to final confirmation across seasons.
• Build seasonal material strategies aligned with brand positioning.
• Develop and manage materials sourcing to improve cost and readiness.
• Collaborate with design, development, global partners, and suppliers.
• Evaluate feasibility, performance and risk; ensure timelines.
• Foster vendor partnerships for material tech and R&D opportunities.
• Maintain and expand the material library for cross-functional use.
• Identify process improvements to streamline workflows.
• Communicate with internal and overseas stakeholders across time zones.
• Travel to factories and trade shows ~10–15% annually.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Textiles or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

OluKai is seeking a Materials Developer to lead end-to-end material development across leathers, textiles, trims and hardware for our premium footwear. You’ll drive seasonal material strategies, manage supplier relationships with the Asia Sourcing team, and champion innovations while safeguarding cost, sustainability and manufacturability.

You’ll collaborate with Design, Product Development and Sourcing, ensuring alignment with product intent and timelines, including travel to factories and