WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
On a day to day basis you will be working with a wide-range of internal partners including Footwear and Apparel Color Designers, Graphic Design Partners, Developers, and Product Line Managers. This position has 2 direct report and will report into the Director, NA Local Creation.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Local Creation is one of the fastest product engines at Nike, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. This competitive advantage allows the team to capture current and developing market trends as well as regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed. We are looking for a candidate who is an experienced creative leader who embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and will thrive in a team environment.
The ideal Manager Designer will be responsible for establishing seasonal Graphic direction, strategy for footwear product under the North America Local Creation business. This designer will be an active and energetic participant in the creative process and have excellent cross-functional communication skills, presenting design concepts to internal and external audiences and executing complex deliverables in a fast-paced environment. The Manager Designer will be a versatile creative problem solver who excels under tight deadlines, has a strong understanding of emerging design and fashion trends, and extensive knowledge of footwear construction, color theory, and textiles.
Education
BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, apparel design, material design, textile design or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training
Experience:
• Preferred design experience: 8+ years
• People management experience: Required
• Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging design and fashion trends in sportswear and streetwear footwear and apparel.
• Deep knowledge and experience in Color and/or Material design + Graphics specifically for product.
• Foundational understanding of footwear construction, schematic development and tech pack creation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
• Ability to translate consumer insights into thoughtful narratives and graphic storytelling.
• Strong visual and verbal presentation skills; able to effectively show and communicate design intent to internal and external audiences.
• Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop; Miro
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
If this is you, you will be helping to lead the NAEL design team in creating unique, geo-specific collections across Men’s, Women’s and Kids product on a seasonal basis. This will include setting distinct colour and material direction, developing original content and product storytelling. The Manager Designer will work closely with:
- Graphic Designers to develop prints, patterns and trims.
- Product Management teams to build engaging, trend-driven narratives that meet the needs of target consumers
- Development teams to communicate design intent, help with schematic creation and review and workshop prototypes.
- The ideal candidate will also be responsible for managing and designing presentation materials and presenting concepts to internal teams and leadership as well as external partners.
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
- 8+ years design experience
- People management experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of design and fashion trends
- Deep knowledge in Color and Material design
- Understanding of footwear construction and tech pack creation
- Ability to translate consumer insights into narratives
- Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop
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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