Nike Local Creation GC is one of Nike’s fastest product engines, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. The team amplifies new ideas and extends consumer favorites through products with greater local relevance and immediacy.
We’re looking for a Senior Manager, Apparel Design, Outerwear to join a dynamic and fast-paced design team based in Shanghai, China. This people leadership role reports to the Director, Apparel Design, Local Creation GC and works closely with Design, Product Management, Development, Merchandising, Marketing, Global Design, Creative, vendors, and suppliers.
What you’ll bring
- BA, BFA, MA, MFA, or equivalent education, experience, or training in Apparel Design or a related field preferred.
- 8+ years of professional apparel design experience within the apparel and sportswear industry.
- Extensive expertise in outerwear materials, functionality, construction, and fit across lifestyle and performance products.
- Knowledge of multiple outerwear categories, technical and innovative ideation, and the Greater China outerwear market.
- Experience in creative and team leadership, including managing designers and fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment.
- Strong understanding of materials, construction, tech packs, and schematic development.
- Ability to build cohesive collections and translate consumer insights into authentic narratives across color, silhouette, and key looks.
- Ability to lead design vision, make precise decisions, manage multiple projects, and maintain timelines.
- Excellent visual, verbal, communication, presentation, strategic thinking, and decision-making 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 consumers.
- Manage and mentor apparel designers, drive creativity, build collaborative culture, and improve cross-functional communication.
- Establish and manage the seasonal new-creation toolbox with Product Management and Development, considering consumer insights, design direction, product intent, and margin targets.
- Collaborate with Product Development and external vendors on pre-development and outerwear innovation.
- Bring seasonal creative direction to life through market-relevant trends in color, material functionality, fit, proportion, key looks, and outfits.
- Monitor prototypes, conduct fittings, finalize production details, resolve feasibility issues, and ensure execution excellence.
- Present concepts to internal teams, leadership, and external partners while clearly communicating the purpose behind design decisions.
- Manage deliverables and project timelines from concept through completion.
- Maintain strong consumer curiosity and trend forecasting capabilities connected to city culture, emerging trends, and Nike’s design ethos.
Nike offers a total rewards package, a casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional development. Nike is committed to reasonable accommodation and equal employment opportunity.