Expert Designer, NikeSKIMS Apparel Product Design

Nike; California, Los Angeles (MO, CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 289,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Expert Apparel Designer to lead innovative design efforts in performance apparel. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of women's fitness wear, combining technical expertise with creative vision. You will collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver designs that resonate with consumers and meet business objectives. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence the market with original, style-led products while working closely with design leadership and various stakeholders. If you are passionate about design and eager to make an impact, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of prior design work experience required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative designs for Performance product lines.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on product development.

Skills

Drawing/Sketching

Ideation

Digital Product Creation

Visual Presentation Development

Collaborative Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design

Tools

Tech Pack Development

Job description

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $122,000.00 in our lowest geographic market to $288,500.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

Information about benefits can be found here.

NikeSKIMS combines the best of both brands – Nike’s legacy of innovation and athlete insights with SKIMS dedication to the female form, and inclusive solutions for every body. We're carving out a bold and unique position in the global fitness industry, delivering innovation and style the industry hasn’t seen before. We’re excited to invite more women into sport and movement with products that make them feel strong and sexy.

Our first collection launches this Spring in the United States and will begin to expand to global markets in 2026.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will be guiding the creative through the design season while working with a team of designers, developers, product managers, and merchants to deliver creative in line with the NikeSKIMS Design Ethos. This opportunity will require strong collaborative skills to meet cost requirements and deadlines, all while taking your partners through the thinking behind your work.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As our Expert Apparel Designer in NikeSKIMS, you’ll be working to support and grow both brands. With a focus on technical performance apparel, the Expert Designer will lead the team through calendar, execution, advance product creation, and progressive style development. Leading design efforts and applying your outstanding design skills to build original, style-led innovative designs that accurately reflect NikeSKIMS design philosophy and lead the industry. Through continued research and consumer connection, be able to quickly anticipate and identify key trends that translate into relevant products that resonate with our consumers. Respond to business objectives with creative design solutions aligned to consumer insights. You’ll need strong communication skills with teammates across the organization, including expert listening, collaborative problem solving, and deep emotional intelligence. The role demands big picture thinking, with regards to product relevance, product positioning, capsules, and collections.

• Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design or equivalent combination of education, experience, or training
• 8+ years of prior design work experience
• Ability to apply and perform design skills such as: drawing/sketching, ideation, digital product creation, and visual presentation development.
• Deep knowledge of technical and non-technical apparel constructions across both men’s and women’s.
• Extensive knowledge of the apparel industry, marketing principles, and development process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in local market language, including meeting facilitation and presentations.
• To be considered, you must include a portfolio or work samples with your application with a focus on process and creative thinking.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As our Expert Apparel Designer, you will work under the direction of the Design Director to create innovative designs for Performance product lines and partner with cross-functional teams on product development, from concepting through to production. This opportunity also involves partnering with Design Leadership and category team members in Design, Development, and Merchandising to ensure design feasibility while meeting price points, merchandising needs, and product creation timelines. You will provide prototype sampling and tech pack information, including fabrication, trim, color, graphic applications, style, detail, fit requirements, and construction details. You'll also monitor the development of prototype samples and interact with our Development, Pattern Making, Material, and the Sample Room to exchange ideas and ensure timely completion of each project. You'll provide guidance and leadership to Designers and team members and share knowledge, experience, and product excellence with others. From concepting seasonal collections to working with manufacturing partners, to communicating directly with athletes and collaborators, the daily responsibilities of this role are wide-ranging, ambitious, and rewarding.

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.