Nike Local Creation GC is one of Nike’s fastest product creation engines, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. Reporting into the Local Creation Design organization, this role focuses on creating inspiring products tailored to specific marketplaces and geographic audiences, capturing fast-moving trends and delivering regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed.
We’re looking for a Lead Apparel Designer, Jordan to join our dynamic, fast-paced design team. Based in Shanghai, China, this role will work closely with cross-functional partners across Design, Product Management, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing.
Who you’ll work with
This is an individual contributor role reporting to the Senior Manager, Apparel Design, Local Creation GC. You’ll collaborate with GC apparel and footwear design teammates, product management and development teams, merchandising and marketing partners, global design counterparts, Nike Creative stakeholders, and external vendors and suppliers.
What you bring
- A BA, BFA, MA, or MFA in Apparel Design or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- 7 years of professional apparel design experience in the apparel or sports industry.
- Extensive expertise in materials, functionality, construction, and fit for apparel products.
- Understanding of apparel segments and consumer profiles across multiple dimensions; Greater China market experience is preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of apparel materials, construction, fit, technical packages, and schematic development.
- Strong collection-building skills and the ability to translate insights into authentic narratives through color, silhouette, and key looks.
- Ability to lead and drive the design vision within assigned categories and collaborate cross-functionally.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to timelines.
- Excellent visual, verbal, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D/AI rendering software, and Miro.
What you’ll work on
- Create apparel products aligned with global creative direction, seasonal concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys, and geo assortments.
- Establish and manage seasonal new-creation toolboxes based on consumer insights, design direction, product intent, and margin targets.
- Bring seasonal creative direction to life through market-relevant trends, color, material functionality, Greater China-specific fit and proportion, and coordinated key looks.
- Monitor prototype development, conduct fittings, finalize production details, and ensure execution excellence.
- Build trend-driven assortments, communicate design intent, review prototypes, and refine execution.
- Present concepts clearly to internal teams, leadership, and external partners.
- Manage design deliverables and project timelines, resolve feasibility issues, and ensure timely completion.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of consumer and city trends and Nike DNA.
Nike offers a generous total rewards package, a casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional development. Nike is committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing reasonable accommodation during the application and interview process.