WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for a Lead Designer for Socks and Engineered Knits within Accessories to drive innovative, industry-leading product design. This role requires a strong balance of creative vision and technical expertise, with deep knowledge of engineered knits and the ability to solve problems from concept through production. You can translate complex ideas into clear design direction, communicate effectively across teams, and bring a strong passion for sport, culture, and design. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, take initiative, and consistently push for better solutions, we’d like to hear from you.
WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
As a Lead Designer for Socks within Accessories Design, you will create performance-driven products that meet the needs of athletes across sport and lifestyle. You will apply your expertise in knitting techniques, yarns, and material performance to develop innovative solutions rooted in athlete insights. This is a hands-on role that demands attention to detail and a commitment to delivering best-in-class fit, comfort, durability, and functionality.
WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
You will partner closely with the Sr. Manager of Sock Product Design and Accessories Design Directors to shape the future of Performance and Lifestyle Sock design. Working across design, development, product management, costing, and engineering, you will lead concepts from brief to market while ensuring design intent, product feasibility and timelines remain aligned. You will regularly present design concepts to internal and external partners and are expected to foster collaboration, contribute to team growth, and mentor others.
TO BE CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT A CREATIVE DESIGN PORTFOLIO. PLEASE PROVIDE WEBSITE LINKS OR ATTACH A PDF FILE WHEN YOU APPLY.
WHAT YOU BRING
- 5-7 years' experience designing and developing innovative products
- Bachelor's Degree in Product Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
- Previous engineered knit or sock experience required
- Must be advanced in Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, and Keynote
- 3D design program experience a plus
- Active and proficient participant in collaboration, the creative process and cross-functional communication You Ask Clarifying Questions and Adapt.
- Significant engagement with external partners
- Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
- Must be able to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project
- Manage multiple projects at various stages of the design from concept to production
- Advanced design skills such as: drawing/sketching, ideation, use of texture, spacing and scale, visual presentation development and layout
- Proven experience designing socks or knit-based products with a focus on performance.
- Deep knowledge of knitting techniques, structures, and yarns (performance fibers, blends, cushioning).
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.
Skills Required
- 5-7 years experience designing and developing innovative products
- Bachelor's Degree in Product Design or related field (or equivalent experience/education)
- Previous engineered knit or sock experience
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Advanced proficiency in Illustrator
- Advanced proficiency in Keynote
- 3D design program experience
- Proven experience designing performance-focused socks or knit-based products
- Deep knowledge of knitting techniques, structures, and yarns (performance fibers, blends, cushioning)
- Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
- Ability to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project
- Manage multiple projects from concept to production
- Advanced design skills: drawing/sketching, ideation, texture, spacing, scale, visual presentation and layout
- Active participant in collaboration and cross-functional communication; asks clarifying questions and adapts
- Significant engagement with external partners
- Submit a creative design portfolio (website link or PDF)
Nike Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nike and has not been reviewed or approved by Nike.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a company match is complemented by options such as a Mega Backdoor Roth and deferred compensation for eligible earners. Financial coaching and structured savings programs support long-term financial security.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a stock discount sits alongside broad-based equity vehicles like RSUs and non-qualified stock options. These avenues expand wealth-building opportunities beyond base pay.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave includes maternity and paternity time, recently expanded in the U.S. to 16 weeks and extended to part-time retail teammates. Additional supports include childcare assistance at select locations and family-building benefits such as fertility, surrogacy, and adoption.
Nike Insights
What We Do
At NIKE, Inc., we innovate to serve athletes*. Every teammate - from coder to creator - plays a role in making these athletes’ dreams real. Our tech, data, and digital teams push limits every day, building the future of sport and the tools that drive it. Here, curiosity is fuel. Innovation is the game plan. Different perspectives keep us on the offense. You’ll solve challenges worth tackling, grow fast and belong to a team that backs you to do the right thing. Bring your drive. Bring your bold. Let’s move the world, together. Take your first step at nike.com/careers * If you have a body, you’re an athlete.
Why Work With Us
At NIKE, Inc., your dedication fuels the future of sport. There is a sense of pride that comes from representing an iconic brand and shaping its future. Here, we treat every day as a new opportunity to push boundaries, ask tough questions and share whole-hearted convictions. We are a team – united by the belief that anything is possible.
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