Lead, Apparel Designer, Jordan, Local Creation GC

Nike Local Creation GC is one of Nike's fastest product creation engines, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively, and the Local Creation team's mission is to amplify and incubate new ideas while building on consumer favourites and serving local consumers with greater relevance and immediacy. Reporting into the Local Creation Design organisation, this role focuses on creating inspiring Jordan apparel products tailored to specific marketplaces and geographic audiences, capturing fast-moving trends and delivering regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed. The individual contributor position sits within a dynamic, fast-paced apparel design team and works closely with cross-functional partners across Design, Product Management, Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and external vendors and suppliers.

• Create apparel products that align with global creative direction, seasonal key concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys and geo assortments while connecting with Greater China consumers.
• Work closely with Product Management and Development to establish and manage seasonal new-creation toolboxes based on consumer insights, design direction and product intent, while keeping margin targets in mind.
• Bring seasonal creative direction to life through market-relevant trends and insights across colour, material functionality, Greater China-specific fit and proportion, and brand- and trend-relevant coordination of key looks and outfits.
• Build depth across the range through colour and define the appropriate trend level for individual products to drive excitement and cohesion.
• Communicate design concepts effectively in a fast-paced environment and incorporate Greater China-relevant trends and solutions into seasonal products.
• Monitor prototype development and partner with Development to finalise production details, conduct fittings, and engage external vendors and suppliers to 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 articulate 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.
• Mine trends and maintain a deep connection to consumer and city trends as well as in-depth knowledge of Nike DNA.

• Seven years of professional apparel design experience in the apparel or sports industry, with extensive expertise in materials, functionality, construction and fit for apparel products.
• Seasoned creative lead with broad apparel industry experience and the ability to design and execute products for Nike's brands.
• Comprehensive understanding of apparel materials, construction, fit, technical packages and schematic development.
• Clear understanding of apparel segments and consumer profiles across multiple dimensions.
• Strong collection-building skills, with the ability to translate insights into authentic narratives and storytelling through colour, silhouette and key looks, express concepts holistically and drive cohesion in product construction within a collection and across brands.
• Ability to lead, curate and drive the design vision within assigned categories, partnering cross-functionally to align design expectations with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to timelines.
• 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 ability to collaborate effectively and demonstrate leadership by fostering a positive, inclusive environment that supports shared creative goals.
• Sound decision-making abilities and strategic thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D/AI rendering software and Miro.
• Strong eye for detail, with passion for and expertise in premium craft.
• Ability to operate independently, champion the brand vision, foster creativity within the team, navigate ambiguity, manage multiple timelines and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to bring ideas from concept through execution.
• Embodies the values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration and courage, and is eager to grow, challenge themselves and work independently as a self-driven contributor.

• A BA, BFA, MA or MFA in Apparel Design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
• Experience in the Greater China market.

• Generous total rewards package.
• Casual work environment.
• Diverse and inclusive culture.
• An electric atmosphere for professional development.
• 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.
• Be empowered to grow within Nike and create the future (#MYNEXT).