Nike Local Creation GC enables designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively by creating inspiring products tailored to specific marketplaces and geographic audiences. The team amplifies new ideas and extends consumer favorites through regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed.
We are looking for a Senior Manager, Apparel Design Local Creation GC to join Nike’s dynamic design team in Shanghai, China. This people leadership role reports to the Director, Apparel Design, Local Creation GC and partners with teams across design, product management, development, merchandising and marketing.
What You’ll Bring
- BA, BFA, MA or MFA preferred in Apparel Design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience or training.
- 8+ years of professional apparel design experience within the apparel and sportswear industry.
- Deep expertise in apparel materials, functionality, construction and fit.
- Experience in creative leadership and people management, preferably with knowledge of apparel consumer segments across the Greater China market.
- Comprehensive understanding of apparel materials and make, tech packs and schematic development in lifestyle and performance apparel products.
- Ability to build compelling apparel collections by translating consumer insights into authentic narratives and storytelling.
- Ability to integrate color, silhouette, materials and key looks while ensuring cohesion within collections and across brands.
- Ability to lead a clear design vision across categories, make precise decisions and manage teams through the design process.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines.
- Excellent visual, verbal and communication skills.
- Proven team-player and leadership skills, with the ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment.
- Strong decision-making and strategic-thinking 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, geo assortments and Greater China consumer needs.
- Manage a team of apparel designers, mentor creativity, build a collaborative culture and improve cross-functional communication.
- Work with product management and development to establish seasonal new-create toolboxes based on insights, design direction, product intent and margin targets.
- Bring seasonal creative direction to life through market-relevant trends, color direction, material function, Greater China-centric fit and proportion, and coordinated key looks and outfits.
- Communicate design concepts and inject Greater China-relevant trends and solutions into seasonal products.
- Monitor prototype development, conduct fittings, finalize production details and ensure execution excellence across multiple categories.
- Partner with product management and development to build trend-driven assortments, communicate design intent, review prototypes and refine execution.
- Champion storytelling and communicate the rationale behind design decisions.
- Present concepts to internal teams, leadership and external partners.
- Manage design deliverables and project timelines, resolve feasibility issues and ensure timely completion.
- Maintain strong consumer curiosity and trend-forecasting capabilities, with a connection to city culture, emerging trends and Nike’s design ethos.
Nike provides reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. Nike is committed to a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.