Director, Kobe Apparel Product Design

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike Inc. seeks an Apparel Design Director to lead a nimble team shaping Kobe Apparel’s future. You will drive athlete-informed product design, translating insights into compelling performance apparel, and guide a group of designers to deliver innovative concepts with precision.

The role requires strong leadership, deep craft, and a passion for crafting products that connect with athletes and consumers on the court and beyond. You will mentor designers and push creative boundaries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Fashion Design or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in a design environment working with materials, trims, design and fit.
• Strong knowledge of design, art and fashion with passion for sport and youth culture.
• Proficiency in hand drawing/sketching, illustrations, texture, and layout.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Understanding of garment construction and fit.
• Understanding of textile sciences and apparel trims.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of athlete-informed performance apparel for Kobe Basketball.
• Drive end-to-end design processes from research to prototype refinement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across design, product management and development.
• Mentor and inspire other designers to achieve creative excellence.

Skills

Hand drawing

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Creative Suite

Garment construction

Textile knowledge

Mood boards & presentations

Design concept development

Leadership & mentoring

Visual communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

In this role, you will report directly to the Sr. Creative Director and partner across Innovation, Excellence, Development, Materials, Styling, Footwear, Color, Graphics, PLM, Development, and Merchandising to shape the future of Kobe Apparel. You will lead a team of apparel designers in creating elevated platforms and systems that embody the Kobe mindset — driven by radical curiosity, fearless experimentation, and an unwavering pursuit of pinnacle performance. Together, you will translate bold exploration into purposeful product solutions, pushing the boundaries of sport, culture, and design while delivering with precision and excellence.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an Apparel Design Director to lead a nimble team shaping the future of Kobe Apparel. This role will drive innovative, athlete-inspired product design that reflects Kobe’s relentless pursuit of excellence, blending performance, precision, and artistry.

The ideal candidate is a strong creative leader with exceptional design instincts, a deep commitment to craft, and a passion for building products that connect with athletes and consumers on and off the court.

Role Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Fashion Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• 8+ years of relevant work experience in a design environment working with materials, trims, design and fit.
• Exceptional knowledge of design, art, and fashion, as well as passion for sport and youth culture
• Exceptional ability to apply and perform design skills, including hand drawing/sketching, hand illustrations, need to be well versed in Adobe Illustrator, concept ideation, use of texture, spacing and scale, visual presentation development and layout.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Comprehensive understanding of garment construction and fit.
• Comprehensive understanding of textile sciences.
• Comprehensive understanding of apparel trims.
• Ability to build design worlds, mood boards and presentations of creative vision.
• Ability to translate consumer and athlete insights into innovative product solutions and narratives.
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing, high growth environment and to manage multiple and competing work priorities, demands and changes.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including ability to inspire, involve and mentor others within work group.
• An enthusiastic and positive attitude and the ability to work efficiently in a quick paced environment.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You’ll lead the design of innovative, athlete-informed performance apparel for Kobe Basketball, transforming athlete insights into meaningful product concepts and collections. This role brings the Kobe mindset to life through apparel that blends performance, precision, and purpose, creating distinctive product stories that honor Kobe’s legacy while shaping the future of the game.

From concept through execution, you’ll drive the end-to-end design process, including research, concept development, sketching, mood boards, material and trim direction, and prototype refinement. Working closely with cross-functional partners across design, product management, and development, you’ll ensure every product delivers against the highest standards of innovation, performance, and craft.

Success in this role requires curiosity, creative courage, and a collaborative approach. You will help define what performance basketball apparel looks and feels like for the next generation of athletes. As a seasoned apparel designer, you’ll also serve as a leader and mentor, inspiring and guiding other designers through both creative excellence and product innovation.