Senior Manager, Apparel Design, Local Creation GC

This role leads apparel design for Nike Local Creation GC, a product engine focused on creating regionally relevant product for Greater China consumers with speed and flexibility. It sits within the Local Creation Design organisation and reports to the Director, Apparel Design, Local Creation GC, managing a team of apparel designers across multiple categories. The role partners closely with cross-functional teams including design, product management, development, merchandising, marketing, global design counterparts, and external vendors to bring concepts from creation through execution.

• Create apparel products that align with global creative direction, seasonal key concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys, geo assortments, and connect with the Greater China consumer.
• Manage a team of apparel designers, mentoring creativity, building a collaborative culture, and driving efficiencies in cross-functional communication.
• Work closely with product management and development to drive and manage seasonal new create toolbox setup based on insights, design direction, and product intents with appropriate margin targets in mind.
• Bring seasonal creative direction to life through market-relevant trends and insights on colour direction, material function, and Greater China-centric fit and proportion
• Coordinating brand- and trend-relevant key looks and outfits and building layered ranges through colour to define trend levels across products.
• Communicate design concepts effectively, collaborate in a fast-paced environment, and inject Greater China-relevant trends and solutions into seasonal products.
• Monitor the development of prototype samples and interact with development to finalise production details, conduct fittings, 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 'why' behind the work, presenting concepts clearly to internal teams, leadership, and external partners.
• Manage design deliverables and project timelines, planning and executing product details, reviewing samples, resolving feasibility issues, and ensuring timely project completion.
• Demonstrate deep consumer curiosity and strong trend forecasting capabilities, maintaining a strong connection to city culture, emerging trends, and Nike's design ethos.

• 8+ years of professional apparel design experience within the apparel and sportswear industry, with deep expertise in apparel materials, functionality, construction, and fit.
• Experience in creative leadership and people management, with a strong understanding of apparel consumer segments and profiles across multiple dimensions.
• Comprehensive understanding of apparel material and make, tech packs, and schematic development in lifestyle and performance apparel products.
• Strong ability to build compelling apparel collections by translating consumer insights into authentic narratives and storytelling.
• Ability to integrate concepts across colour, silhouette, materials, and key looks, while ensuring cohesion within a collection and across brands.
• Ability to lead and drive a clear design vision across categories, collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners and aligning expectations with key stakeholders.
• Ability to set directions through precise decision making to guide and manage the team during the design process.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to timelines among the team.
• Excellent visual and verbal presentation skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Proven team player and leadership skills, fostering a positive and inclusive environment to achieve shared creative goals.
• Ability to drive collaborative mindsets across the design team.
• Sound decision-making abilities and strategic thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D/AI rendering software, and Miro.
• Seasoned creative leader with diverse experience in the apparel industry who can manage a team of designers to drive and execute apparel products within brands.

• BA/BFA/MA/MFA in Apparel Design or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, or training.
• Experience with apparel consumer segments and profiles within the Greater China market.

• Generous total rewards package.
• Casual work environment.
• Diverse and inclusive culture.
• Electric atmosphere for professional development.
• Be empowered to grow within Nike and create the future.
• Reasonable accommodation is provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.