Design Director, GC EXPRESS LANE Apparel Design

BECOME A PART OF THE NIKE, INC TEAM

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world's best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Nike, its about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are seeking a Design Director for Apparel Design who is a visionary creative, storyteller and inspiring team leader with the ability to translate Greater China Geography-specific market opportunities into unique Nike concepts. Understanding of cultural nuances and aesthetic, local language, experience in GC markets and expert knowledge of local consumers is preferred. This role requires a leader who can thrive in a fast-paced, speed-to-market environment, translating local trends into rapid design iterations that capture real-time consumer demand. They will know how to curate brand-aligned product expression through Color, Graphic and Materials on collections and key franchises. The candidate will have expert knowledge in Apparel Product Design, with understanding of manufacturing and construction that will empower the team to deliver crafted products at speed. They must be highly organized and strategic with the ability to manage a dynamic product design process and serve as a key collaborator on a cross-functional product creation leadership team. This role requires a leader who is passionate about visual storytelling through Sport & Culture, adaptable to a fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape. They are skilled in managing relationships, communicating effectively to their team and partners, and facilitating collaboration.

WHAT WILL YOU WORK ON?

As the Design Director for Apparel Design in GC, you will lead the creation of uniquely-Nike Apparel through the lens of Apparel Product Expression and Storytelling with Color and Graphics, and Apparel Product Creation through creating dimension of key franchises and Geo-right silhouettes that are tailored for Greater China consumers across a diverse set of Mens, Womens and Kids, Lifestyle and Performance product. You will be a functional creative leader responsible for Apparel Design Excellence and Creative Direction with business accountabilities to the GC GM and partnership with a cross-functional leadership team. You will inspire and develop a high-performing diverse creative team, fostering an environment of innovation, connective storytelling, risk-taking, and continuous learning. You will define and uphold a creative process that focuses on mining consumer insights and design trends for the key markets in GC. Leading Creative in a fast-paced, close to market business, you will need to know how to utilize market trend and insight to build a uniquely-Nike creative vision that leads and connects with consumers, at speed. As the functional leader of a cross-disciplinary design team, you will facilitate creative collaboration sessions, set Creative Direction that empowers the team to create compelling product, and guide teammates through the close-to-market product design process. You will partner with the Footwear Design Director to create head-to-toe collections. The Design Director is accountable to curating a Greater China-specific creative point of view that amplifies the Nike voice and brand standards.

WHO WILL YOU WORK WITH?

As Apparel Design Director under the guidance of the Sr. Creative Director and GC GM, you will work with GC Express Lane Product Directors, Development Leaders and the GC Footwear Design Director to strategize, curate and enable a distinct Nike point of view tailored to Apparel opportunities in the local marketplace. You will report functionally into the Sr. Creative Director of GEL, collaborate with Geo Express Lane Design Leadership peers, and create connection with the Global Design Leadership to lead GC Apparel Design Excellence. You will lead, inspire and enable a team of cross-discipline designers and work in partnership with the GC cross-functional product creation team including Apparel Design, Footwear Design, Product Management and Product Development.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING?

• TO BE CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT A CREATIVE DESIGN PORTFOLIO. PLEASE PROVIDE WEBSITE LINKS OR ATTACH PDF FILES WHEN YOU APPLY.
• Bachelor degree or higher in Product Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience, or 2 additional years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree
• Minimum of 8+ years of relevant design work experience in a related field, including 2+ years in a management/leadership role
• 5 years as a senior or lead design in a corporate setting or design firm preferred
• Experience in international markets preferred, specifically in Greater China territories
• Understanding of traditional Culture, Cultural nuance and local preferred aesthetic
• Understanding of and/or the ability to speak Mandarin, or local language. Being fluent is not required, but preferred.
• Proven ability to inspire and lead creative teams under high-pressure, fast-paced environments
• Positive mindset and collaborative spirit with excellent soft skills and flexibility to manage multiple projects, work with internal and external partners, and cross-functional teams efficiently.
• Contribute and align to shared team culture and behaviors.
• Strong ability to lead and curate Creative Direction.
• Strong Apparel Design vision, and deep knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing processes.
• Strong illustration, typography, brand identity, and color theory skills.
• Mastery of the creative process, guiding the team through all stages of design

• Excellent storytelling skills with an ability to turn insight into consumer relevant, brand-right product expressions
• A passion for the Athlete*, Sport* and Culture.

• Profound knowledge of fashion and elevated craft
• Mastery in presentation and communication skills
• Proficiency in digital design software (Creative Suite, AI tools, etc.)
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.