Technical Design Manager, Global Apparel - Men's Running at Nike

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Manager, Global Apparel - Men's Running

Company: Nike

Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Technical Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-09T00:00:00

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead the technical design process for global men's running apparel, focusing on fit, construction, and manufacturing feasibility.
Manage and mentor a team of technical designers, providing guidance and support in their product development work.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Design, Product Management, and manufacturing partners to translate design intent into manufacturable products.
Drive best practices in digital product creation and ensure process alignment across apparel development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the title and responsibilities, this role is clearly focused on the technical execution of design, bridging the gap between creative concept and production. Emphasis is placed on leadership, process management, and deep knowledge of apparel construction and manufacturing.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Oversee the technical development of men's running apparel from initial concept through production handoff.
Guide the team in creating and refining technical packages, including detailed specifications, measurements, and construction notes.
Lead fit sessions, evaluate prototypes, and provide clear, actionable feedback to manufacturing partners.
Partner with Product Design to ensure aesthetic vision is met while maintaining technical feasibility and performance standards.
Collaborate with Product Management to align technical development timelines with overall product launch calendars.
Manage and mentor a team of Technical Designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring high-quality output.
Establish and maintain dimensional strategies and block libraries for men's running apparel.
Drive the adoption and implementation of digital product creation tools and processes (e.g., 3D software).
Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during the development and production phases.
Communicate effectively with Asia-based Product Creation Centers to ensure smooth execution of development cycles.
Stay informed about the latest trends in apparel construction, materials, and manufacturing techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on technical work with significant leadership and process management duties. The focus on global apparel and partnership with Asia-based teams indicates a complex supply chain and a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills in this technical design leadership role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Pattern Making, Textile Science, or a related field. A suitable combination of education, experience, and training will also be considered.

Experience: 8+ years of apparel development experience is required. Experience managing a team is preferred and crucial for the leadership aspects of this role.

Required Skills:

Deep knowledge of the apparel development process from concept to production.
Expertise in pattern making, grading, and apparel construction techniques.
Understanding of costing, manufacturing processes, and various embellishment techniques (print, embroidery).
Strong leadership, coaching, and team management abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills with a detail-oriented approach.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across different functions.
Proficiency in MS Office programs.
Confidence in using Adobe Illustrator for technical drawings and specifications.

Preferred Skills:

Experience and working knowledge of 3D apparel development software such as CLO, Browzwear, or Lotta.
Experience managing a team of technical designers.
Knowledge of performance apparel requirements, particularly in running.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong foundation in traditional apparel technical design alongside leadership capabilities. The preferred skills highlight the growing importance of 3D design tools in the industry, indicating a forward-looking approach to product creation at Nike.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase examples of complex apparel development projects you have managed or significantly contributed to.
Include technical packages with detailed specifications, construction notes, and measurement charts.
Present case studies demonstrating your problem-solving skills in resolving technical challenges during development.
Highlight projects where you successfully collaborated with design, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams.

Process Documentation:

Document your technical design process, including how you approach fit development, pattern refinement, and construction detailing.
Show examples of how you manage the technical review and feedback process with factories.
Illustrate your approach to establishing and maintaining technical standards and block libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Technical Design Manager role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize process, problem-solving, and collaboration rather than purely visual design. Demonstrating expertise in translating design intent into manufacturable goods through detailed documentation is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated, a Technical Design Manager at a large, global apparel company like Nike, based in Beaverton, Oregon (a high cost of living area), with 8+ years of experience, would typically command a competitive salary. Based on industry data for similar roles in the Pacific Northwest, the estimated annual salary range is between $100,000 and $150,000, potentially higher depending on specific experience, leadership track record, and negotiation. This estimate is based on research of technical design management salaries on platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Payscale for the Beaverton/Portland area and reflects the level of experience and responsibility indicated in the job description.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k) with company match.
Paid time off and holidays.
Employee discounts on Nike products.
Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
Wellness programs and on-site fitness facilities (common at Nike WHQ).
Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically standard business hours. Given the global nature of the role and collaboration with Asia-based teams, some flexibility may be required for early morning or late evening meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is an inference based on typical compensation for experienced technical design managers in the apparel industry, adjusted for the cost of living in the Beaverton, Oregon area and the size/prestige of Nike. Specific salary will depend on individual qualifications and negotiation. Benefits listed are common for large corporations like Nike.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Footwear and Apparel Manufacturing, specifically focused on athletic performance wear. Nike is a global leader in the sports industry, known for innovation and performance-driven design.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. This indicates a large, complex organization with established processes and global operations.

Founded: 1964. Nike has a long history of innovation in athletic product development.

Team Structure:

This role is within the Global Apparel team, specifically focusing on Men's Running.
Reports directly to the Technical Design Director.
Manages a team of Technical Designers, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the technical design function.
Works closely with cross-functional teams including Product Design, Product Management, Materials, and Product Integrity.

Methodology:

Emphasizes a collaborative product creation process involving multiple stakeholders.
Utilizes a structured development calendar with critical checkpoints.
Growing adoption of digital product creation tools (3D software) indicates a move towards more efficient and innovative workflows.
Focus on performance, fit, and athlete needs drives the technical design process.

Company Website: https://www.nike.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's size and industry leadership mean working within established global processes. The emphasis on collaboration and the integration of technical design with various departments are typical of large-scale apparel development. The move towards digital tools reflects current industry trends.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management role within the technical design discipline. It requires significant experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities, positioning the individual as a subject matter expert and team leader.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Technical Design Director, indicating a clear path for continued growth within the technical design leadership track at Nike.

Design Impact: This role has a direct impact on the manufacturability, fit, and quality of Nike's men's running apparel, directly influencing product performance and consumer satisfaction. As a manager, you will also shape the skills and capabilities of the technical design team.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement to Director-level roles within Technical Design or related product creation functions.
Opportunities to lead larger or more complex product categories.
Potential to specialize in specific technical areas such as innovation, materials, or digital technical design.
Development of strategic leadership skills through managing initiatives and influencing global processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's reporting structure and responsibilities suggest a clear career progression path within Nike's technical design organization. The opportunity to manage a team and influence global processes provides significant growth potential in leadership and strategic technical design.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at Nike World Headquarters (WHQ) in Beaverton, Oregon. This implies a corporate campus environment with dedicated design studios and collaboration spaces.

Office Location(s): Beaverton, Oregon, United States (WHQ).

Design Workspace Context:

Likely includes dedicated technical design studios with access to necessary equipment for pattern work, fitting, and prototyping.
Close proximity to Product Design, Materials, and other product creation teams facilitates in-person collaboration and problem-solving.
Access to on-site resources such as wear testing facilities and material libraries is probable.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. While core hours are standard, the need to collaborate with global teams may require flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being based at WHQ offers significant advantages for collaboration and access to resources. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction for the technical design process, particularly for fit sessions and physical prototype evaluation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.
Interview(s) with the hiring manager (Technical Design Director) to discuss technical expertise, leadership style, and fit with the team.
Interviews with cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Design Lead, Product Manager) to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the end-to-end product creation process.
Potential presentation of a portfolio or case studies showcasing technical design work and problem-solving approach.
Discussion with other members of the technical design team to assess team fit and collaboration style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Focus on showcasing your technical design process and problem-solving skills through detailed case studies.
Include examples of technical packages, fit comments, and communication with factories.
Highlight projects involving complex construction techniques or performance-specific requirements.
Clearly articulate your role and impact on each project presented.
If you have experience with 3D technical design software, include examples of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared to discuss your approach to technical challenges and how you collaborate with design and manufacturing to find solutions.
Expect questions about your experience managing a team, coaching technical designers, and resolving conflicts.
Brush up on your knowledge of apparel construction, fit principles, and grading.
If asked to present a case study, structure it to highlight your technical expertise, problem-solving process, and collaborative approach.

ATS Keywords: Technical Design, Apparel Development, Pattern Making, Grading, Construction, Manufacturing, Fit, Specifications, Tech Pack, Adobe Illustrator, 3D Apparel Design, CLO, Browzwear, Lotta, Leadership, Team Management, Coaching, Collaboration, Product Development, Global Apparel, Running Apparel, Performance Apparel, Textile Science, Materials, Costing, Supply Chain, Prototype, Fit Session, Product Integrity, Wear Testing, Digital Product Creation, Menswear.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a management role will assess both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Portfolio review will focus on the depth of technical knowledge and ability to manage complex development processes. Preparation should include behavioral questions related to team management and cross-functional collaboration, in addition to technical topics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical flats and detailed specification drawings. Proficiency is required.
MS Office Suite: Used for documentation, communication, and potentially managing data related to specifications and measurements.
3D Apparel Development Software (CLO/Browzwear/Lotta): Experience is preferred, indicating these tools are being integrated into the workflow. Proficiency with at least one is a strong asset, used for virtual prototyping, fit assessment, and technical visualization.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Internal communication platforms (likely Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar).
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system (common in large apparel companies for managing product data, specifications, and development timelines).
Possibly specific platforms for communicating with global manufacturing partners.

Research & Testing:

Likely utilizes internal wear testing programs and facilities to gather performance feedback.
May interact with systems for tracking material properties and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed reflect standard practice in the apparel technical design industry, with the inclusion of 3D software highlighting Nike's investment in digital transformation within product creation. Experience with PLM systems, while not explicitly listed, is highly probable and beneficial for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Focus on innovation and performance to meet the needs of athletes.
Emphasis on quality, consistency, and attention to detail in product execution.
Collaborative and team-oriented approach to product creation.
Commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies and processes.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative, requiring close partnership with multiple cross-functional teams.
Relies on clear and effective communication, especially with global partners.
Likely involves regular meetings, reviews, and feedback sessions throughout the development process.
Emphasizes problem-solving through teamwork and shared knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's brand identity is strongly tied to performance and innovation, which likely translates into the values emphasized within the technical design team. The need for extensive cross-functional and global collaboration suggests a dynamic and interconnected work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing aesthetic design intent with technical feasibility and cost constraints.
Managing complex global supply chains and communicating effectively across different time zones and cultures.
Staying ahead of technical innovations in apparel construction and materials.
Adapting to and implementing new digital product creation tools and workflows.
Leading and developing a team while also managing individual product responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to work on cutting-edge performance apparel technologies.
Exposure to global manufacturing practices and supply chain management.
Training and development in 3D apparel design software and digital workflows.
Leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities.
Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops related to apparel technical design and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of technical design in a large, global performance apparel company. The growth opportunities are significant, offering exposure to advanced technologies, global operations, and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your approach to developing a technical package for a complex garment from initial design concept. Be prepared to walk through an example from your portfolio.
How do you manage the fit process to ensure consistent sizing and optimal performance? Discuss your experience with different body types and grading.
Explain how you troubleshoot technical issues that arise during sampling or production. Provide specific examples.
How do you collaborate with Product Design to maintain creative vision while ensuring manufacturability?
Discuss your experience using 3D apparel design software and how it integrates into your technical design workflow.

Company Culture Questions:

Why are you interested in working for Nike and specifically on men's running apparel? Demonstrate your understanding of the brand and the running category.
Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and develop a team of technical designers.
How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams like Product Management and Manufacturing?
Discuss your experience working with global teams and navigating cultural differences in communication and process.
How do you stay current with trends and innovations in apparel technical design and manufacturing?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities.
For each project, clearly outline the initial design challenge, your technical approach, the process you followed (including collaboration and communication), and the final outcome.
Highlight your role in managing the project timeline and resolving any technical hurdles.
Include detailed visuals such as technical flats, construction details, fit photos, and communication examples (e.g., fit comments).
Be prepared to discuss the choices you made and the rationale behind them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep technical knowledge and strong leadership/collaboration skills. Using the STAR method to answer behavioral questions, particularly those related to team management and problem-solving, will be beneficial. Thorough research on Nike's running category and technical design approach is also recommended.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in apparel technical design, leadership, team management, and relevant software proficiency (Adobe Illustrator, 3D CAD). Use keywords from the job description.
Prepare a portfolio that clearly showcases your technical design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with complex apparel construction. Focus on case studies.
Research Nike's running apparel line, technical innovations, and company culture to demonstrate your interest and understanding during interviews.
Practice discussing your experience managing a team and collaborating with cross-functional partners, using specific examples.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Technical Design Manager, Global Apparel - Men's Running