Director, Womens Basketball Apparel Product Design

NIKE, Inc. designs the future. At NIKE, Inc. designers chase their curiosities and build what’s next, shaping the culture and advancing human potential. The Design teams include artists, inventors and specialists, all with different focuses, including color and material experts, and apparel, footwear and graphic designers. Nike designers look to the future, aggressively pursuing materials, ideas and forms that further elevate the athlete experience, raise the bar for modern style and reduce environmental impact.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a creative, visionary leader to join our team as the Director of Women's Basketball Apparel. The ideal candidate possesses an exceptional understanding of fashion, sport performance and innovation. A strong passion for leading, managing and cultivating growth within the design team is essential. This role requires the ability to work cross-functionally, overseeing multiple projects simultaneously. A balanced approach, blending a process-oriented mindset with a discerning creative vision, is crucial for success in this position. 

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

As the Director of Women's Basketball Apparel, you will play a pivotal role in driving our brand's overarching women's product vision which will come to life on and off the court. You will collaborate cross-functionally with business, development, and design partners inclusive of footwear and innovation. Your primary objective will be to translate this vision into compelling designs that embody the intersection of innovation and style and allow athletes to feel and perform at their best.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

As the Director of Women's Basketball Apparel, you will collaborate closely with key stakeholders within our organization to bring the future vision of performance to life. 

Reporting structure:

You will report directly to the Senior Design Director of Women's Sport Apparel. In this role, you will align closely with senior leadership to ensure consistency and alignment with Nike's overall design strategy and goals. 

Partnerships:

Working closely with Directors in Graphics and Footwear, you will ensure that the vision for Women's Basketball Apparel aligns seamlessly with other product categories. This collaboration is crucial for creating cohesive product ranges that resonate with Nike's target audience. You’ll also work closely with signature athletes and external partners/leagues to create this future vision.

Team Leadership:

You will manage a team of talented apparel designers. Your role will involve providing support, encouragement, guidance and mentorship to foster their individual growth and development. Together, you will work as a cohesive unit to deliver innovative, and style led designs that uphold Nike's heritage and reputation for innovative performance basketball excellence.

Collaborative Environment:

You will promote a collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely, and creativity flourishes. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, you will empower your team to push boundaries and achieve outstanding results.

Career Development:

Your role will include mentoring each designer on your team, helping them to develop their skills and advance in their careers within Nike, Inc. By providing constructive feedback and guidance, you will contribute to the professional growth of each team member.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel/Fashion Design or related design field or equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• Minimum of 8+ years of relevant design work experience in a related field.
• Understanding of Enterprise vision.
• Profound knowledge of fashion and elevated craft.
• Deep understanding of make and manufacturing processes.
• Mastery of the creative process, guiding the team through all stages of design.
• Excellent storytelling skills.
• Mastery of presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to lead product creation while leveraging 3D capabilities.
• Proficiency in digital design software (Creative Suite).
• Proven ability to inspire and lead creative teams under high-pressure environments.
• Collaborative spirit with excellent soft skills and flexibility to manage multiple projects and cross-functional teams efficiently.
• A positive attitude with a love of fashion, pro