Project Manager Creative Brand Jobs in California

Job Description:

Manager, Creative Ops

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 more than 30 years, we’ve blended comfort, style, versatility, and innovation to create footwear made for life in and around the water.

As industry pioneers, we are committed to setting the standard for environmental and social responsibility. We prioritize sustainable design by 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 rooted in purpose and impact.

That same purpose carries into how we work and who we bring onto our team. At REEF, we value collaboration, creativity, accountability, and people who are energized by contributing to a brand with strong heritage and continued momentum. If you’re excited to help shape what’s next for REEF, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Overview:

Our Marketing team is seeking a Creative Operations Manager to lead project management and production oversight for REEF's creative studio. In this role, you'll manage the full lifecycle of creative projects, from brief review through delivery, while overseeing a Production Coordinator who handles day-to-day production execution. You'll serve as the critical bridge between creative, product, and marketing teams, ensuring projects stay on schedule, within scope, and aligned with brand standards. This position thrives on strong organizational skills, cross-functional communication, and the ability to adapt priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Candidates must have the ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 13%, based on business needs and the requirements of the role. 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.

Role Responsibilities: Cross-Functional Communication & Coordination

• Review project briefs with channel leads; identify and discuss gaps
• Manage consistent communication flow between all parties on project timelines
• Communicate delays and timeline shifts across departments
• Escalate changes as appropriate
• Work with digital team on product delays, work with product team on ordering product for shoots, troubleshoot late/misplaced samples

Workflow & Resource Management

• Determine project task assignments based on creative team bandwidth
• Quickly fill creative resource gaps by bringing in additional resources
• Re-work project flow and work with department heads to re-prioritize projects

Scheduling & Project Planning

• Build workback schedules and set timelines
• Develop and maintain project schedules with coordination of all project activities
• Attend all kickoff and subsequent meetings until project completion
• Run weekly Creative Check-In meetings detailing each designer's projects, due dates, feedback, and priority levels
• Create POs and manage new vendor setup & Legal onboarding
• Coordinate yearly scope and contracts for network of photographers and videographers

Tools & Processes

• Maintain Monday.com and optimize for team functionality
• Manage seasonal sales catalog execution and global sales meeting coordination

Team Leadership & Operations

• Oversee Production Coordinator & assist in production process when needed
• Assist in onboarding new talent to processes

Required Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in project management, creative operations, or production management in a creative, agency, or in-house studio environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Proficiency in project management tools (Monday.com preferred) and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of photo, video, motion graphics, and production processes.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt to changing timelines and business needs.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience managing photo and video shoots, including location permitting and talent coordination.
• Familiarity with surf culture, lifestyle brands, or ecommerce environments.
• Experience managing in-house production studios and production workflows.

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 $100- $120k. 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.