Senior, Apparel Designer, Outerwear, Local Creation GC

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

Nike Local Creation GC is one of Nike’s fastest-moving product engines, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. As part of the Local Creation Design organization, this role focuses on creating inspiring products tailored to specific marketplaces and geographic audiences, capturing fast-moving trends and delivering locally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed. The Local Creation team’s mission is to amplify and incubate new ideas while building on consumer favorites and serving local consumers with products that offer greater relevance and immediacy. We seek a candidate who embodies our values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and courage—someone who is eager to grow, challenge themselves, and operate independently as a self-driven contributor.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a Senior Apparel Designer to join our dynamic, fast-paced design team. Based in Shanghai, China, this role will work closely with cross-functional partners across Design, Product Management, Product Development, Merchandising, and Marketing. The ideal candidate is a senior-level designer with apparel industry experience who can design and execute products that reflect our brand. They will create outerwear across a range of Greater China consumer, sport, and lifestyle opportunities, while independently managing the execution of multiple categories through a hyper-local lens. This designer has a strong eye for detail, deep expertise in premium craft, and the ability to create highly covetable products that connect with Greater China consumers through authentic local narratives. They can operate independently, bring the brand vision to life, foster creativity within the team, navigate ambiguity, manage multiple timelines, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to take ideas from concept through execution.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This is an individual contributor role reporting to the Senior Manager, Apparel Design, Local Creation GC. You’ll collaborate closely with key functional partners throughout the product creation process, including:

• GC Apparel and Footwear Design teammates across categories

• GC Product Management and Development teams

• GC Merchandising and Marketing partners

• Global Design counterparts and Nike Creative stakeholders

You’ll also engage with external vendors and suppliers to bring your designs to life, ensuring alignment with Nike’s brand standards and regional consumer expectations.

WHAT YOU BRING

Education:

BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in Apparel Design or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience or training.

Experience:

• 5–7 years of professional apparel design experience in the apparel and sportswear industry, with strong expertise in outerwear materials, functionality, construction, and fit.

• Clear understanding of apparel segments and multidimensional consumer profiles; experience in the Greater China market is preferred.

• Comprehensive understanding of apparel materials, garment construction, fit, tech packs, and schematic development.

• Ability to design and execute lifestyle and performance apparel.

• 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.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute actively to the creative process and collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D visualization tools, AI-enabled design platforms, and Miro.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As the Senior Apparel Designer, Outerwear, Local Creation GC, you will:

• Create apparel products that align with global creative direction, seasonal concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys, and geo assortments while connecting with the Greater China consumer.

• Create original product designs and evolve existing products under the guidance of Design leadership.

• Communicate design concepts effectively, collaborate in a fast-paced environment, and apply Greater China consumer insights, trends, and design solutions to seasonal products.

• Monitor prototype development and partner closely with Product Development to finalize product details, conduct fittings, and ensure design excellence throughout the process.

• Champion storytelling and communicate the “why” behind the work. Present 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 strong trend awareness and consumer curiosity, maintaining a deep connection to city culture, emerging trends, and Nike's design DNA.

#MYNEXT: Be Empowered to Grow within Nike and Create the Future

We will ensure that 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. Please contact us to request accommodation.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.