Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
As a key member of the Creation Center Shanghai, this role is critical in driving both strategic long-term planning and agile short-term execution across the Kids apparel calendar. You will deliver progressive, culturally relevant design solutions tailored to the China market, blending global innovation with local insights to elevate brand desirability and deepen adidas’ connection with Chinese consumers.
Key Responsibilities
Creative Direction & Design Excellence
- Shape and develop compelling design concepts that push creative boundaries for key product initiatives.
- Deliver visually powerful storytelling and design assets that communicate strategy and creative intent.
- Ensure visual identity and design language remain consistent with the brand’s creative direction.
- Champion originality and innovation in apparel design.
- Translate concepts into refined sketches and tech packs, handing over complete design packages to the development team within deadlines.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration and communication.
Project & Workflow Management
- Sharpen design workflow across multiple capsule collections.
- Partner with marketing and development to steer product direction.
- Maintain disciplined design processes, quality, timelines, and creative integrity.
- Manage complex design initiatives across varying timelines and scopes.
- Monitor critical paths and address potential delays from concept to delivery.
Innovation & Market Insights
- Conduct trend research across sport culture and technology.
- Benchmark global and local kidswear competitors and provide market insights.
- Integrate new materials, technologies, and sustainable innovations into the design process.
- Apply knowledge of the China kids consumer landscape to design direction and product storytelling.
Key Relationships
Design Director and Senior Designers; Product Marketing; Product Development; Sourcing and Materials Teams.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional design sensibility with a keen eye for form, function, and aesthetic balance.
- Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and related design software.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills are a plus.
- Strong visual and verbal storytelling and communication skills.
- Deep understanding of product creation from concept through production.
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities.
- Fluent English required; Mandarin proficiency is a plus.
Education & Experience
- Degree in Fashion Design, Sportswear Design, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
- 3–5 years of design experience in the sporting goods, fashion, or sports industry.
- Demonstrated success owning and driving design projects end-to-end.
- Experience working in or for the China market is preferred.
- Passion for kids’ sport, fashion, innovation, and the adidas brand mission.
Culture and Inclusion
adidas fosters a winning culture built on courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and aims to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of its consumers and communities.