Crafting Performance and Style: The Role of the Apparel Designer

The apparel designer role within Nike’s Women’s Golf and Tennis division is pivotal in shaping the future of athletic wear. This position demands close collaboration with the lead Graphic Designer and the broader design team, focusing on a diverse range of apparel, from highly technical garments to high-volume franchise resets and fashion-forward performance pieces. The designer will play a crucial role in innovating and developing cutting-edge apparel for women in golf and tennis.

Collaboration and Innovation: Working Within the Nike Ecosystem

This role necessitates strong collaborative skills, requiring the designer to work closely with various cross-functional teams. These include Graphic Designers, Product Management & Merchandising, Material/Trim Development, Technical Development, and Sourcing teams. The ability to translate consumer and athlete insights into trend-right performance products is paramount. While this role does not involve direct reports, it is indeed integral to the overall design process.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

Steve Jobs

Essential Qualifications: Skills and Experience for Success

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a strong foundation in apparel design and a proven track record of innovation. Key qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel/Fashion Design or a related field,or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a design habitat, with a focus on materials, trims, design, and fit.
• Exceptional foundational design skills,including drawing/sketching and illustrations across both analog and digital platforms.Experience with 3D design is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, concept ideation, and color theory. Strong presentation skills are essential for effectively communicating design concepts to internal and external partners.
• A extensive understanding of materials,fit,and performance design principles.
• Relevant Apparel/Fashion/Design experience gained through on-the-job training,supported by a strong portfolio. A background in sport performance and sport style innovation is highly desirable.

The global sports apparel market is currently valued at over $200 billion, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.3% through 2028, according to a recent report by Statista. this growth underscores the importance of innovative and performance-driven designs in the athletic wear industry.

Nike’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Nike is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and job applicants. The company offers accommodations throughout the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. Candidates requiring assistance due to a disability are encouraged to complete the candidate Accommodation Request Form.

Nike’s commitment extends beyond recruitment, fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and respected. This commitment aligns with broader industry trends towards greater diversity and inclusion,recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and creativity.

A Culture of Growth and innovation

Nike fosters a culture of growth and innovation, offering a generous total rewards package, a casual work environment, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. Every Nike employee shares a common mission: to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Nike’s Mission Statement