Lead Apparel Designer: Storytelling & Color for Lines

NIKE, Inc.; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike is seeking a Lead Apparel Designer to connect with North American consumers through narrative-driven product stories. You will shape direction, color, materials, trims, and hardware for Nike and Jordan apparel across NA markets, translating insights into compelling collections while balancing creative ambition with cost targets.

The role requires a design portfolio, a bachelor’s degree in apparel design or related field, and 5+ years of experience, including international NA work.

Qualifications

• Portfolio is required; provide a website link or attach a PDF when applying.
• Bachelor's degree in apparel design or related field; suitable combination of education, experience, and training accepted.
• 5+ years of apparel product design experience preferred, including performance, streetwear, or lifestyle apparel; international North America experience preferred.
• Advanced digital design capabilities on Mac; Adobe Creative Suite; two‑dimensional sketching; three‑dimensional apparel tools such as CLO; experience with Vizcom AI design tools.
• Proficiency with Miro, Smartsheet, email, and Outlook; strong visual presentation, communication, organization, prioritization, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive creative design for apparel cut-and-sew products across Nike and Jordan categories in North America.
• Translate seasonal direction, consumer insights, and marketplace trends into product and collection narratives with speed and specificity.
• Use color, materials, trims, and hardware to create an elevated, consumer-relevant brand point of view while meeting cost targets.
• Partner with apparel, graphic, footwear, product management, development, pattern making, materials, product make, and sample-room teams to move ideas from concept to execution.
• Monitor prototype development, exchange ideas with cross-functional partners, and support the timely completion of each project.
• Collaborate with Footwear partners to create cohesive, head-to-toe footwear and apparel expressions.
• Build alignment across functions, categories, and geographies while delivering North America-led solutions that honor Nike's heritage and move the brand forward.

Skills

Portfolio required

5+ years experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in apparel design or related field

Tools

CLO

Adobe Creative Suite

Vizcom

Mac platforms

Job description

Nike is seeking a Lead Apparel Designer to connect with North American consumers through narrative-driven product stories. You will shape direction, color, materials, trims, and hardware for Nike and Jordan apparel across NA markets, translating insights into compelling collections while balancing creative ambition with cost targets.

The role requires a design portfolio, a bachelor’s degree in apparel design or related field, and 5+ years of experience, including international NA work.