Lead Designer, Energy Ignite Apparel Product Design, Global Jordan

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Energy Ignite Apparel Product Design, Global Jordan Company: Nike Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / Apparel Design Date Posted: 2026-01-06T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creative vision and product development for Jordan Brand's "Energy Ignite" apparel initiatives, focusing on cultural relevance and innovation.
• Translate abstract cultural insights, street culture, and sport influences into compelling apparel systems, silhouettes, and product expressions.
• Serve as a high-impact individual contributor, excelling in end-to-end design execution from ideation and visual exploration to final production.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal cross-functional teams and external unconventional partners, including artists, musicians, and cultural disruptors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Global Jordan Energy team, emphasizing risk-taking, cultural relevance, and the incubation of net-new growth opportunities. The "Energy Ignite" designation suggests a focus on forward-thinking, trendsetting, and culturally resonant apparel that drives brand momentum.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute the defined creative vision for brand collaborations, partnerships, and seasonal concepts, translating direction into innovative apparel product designs.
• Lead the end-to-end design development process for assigned projects, from initial concepting and material exploration through prototyping, specification, and final execution, ensuring narrative integrity.
• Collaborate closely with Directors and senior designers to push creative boundaries, elevate concepts, and maintain design intent throughout the product creation lifecycle.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and external collaborators to deliver cohesive, high-quality outcomes within designated timelines.
• Develop and contribute to collaboration storytelling systems, effectively translating partner narratives and cultural references into authentic and elevated product expressions.
• Explore and propose new materials, silhouettes, graphics, and construction techniques that challenge conventions while upholding Jordan Brand's ethos and integrity.
• Present design concepts, rationale, and execution choices clearly and confidently to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with unconventional external partners such as artists, musicians, photographers, and cultural voices.
• Manage and communicate design presentations effectively to cross-functional partners, ensuring creative intent is met alongside business timelines and operational requirements.
• Contribute to the discovery and cultivation of emerging creative talent, expanding Jordan Brand's collaborative ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic collaboration. The emphasis on "end-to-end design development" and "storytelling systems" indicates a need for designers who can not only create aesthetically compelling products but also articulate the narrative and cultural significance behind them.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of relevant Apparel Design experience, with demonstrated progression in responsibility and scope. Proven experience working on collaborations or high-visibility projects is a plus.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating high-level execution across apparel, and/or accessories, with clear storytelling and cultural relevance.
• Lead-level Apparel design skills, including ideation, silhouette development, material exploration, specification, and final execution.
• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; working knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign.
• Deep fluency in street culture, sport, fashion, music, and emerging creative communities, with the ability to translate insight into product.
• Strong storytelling and communication skills with the ability to articulate bold ideas, defend creative risk, and inspire partners across disciplines.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, managing multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
• Comfort collaborating across disciplines and functions, with the ability to influence diverse perspectives and personalities to achieve high-quality, aligned outcomes.
• A culturally fluent mindset, deeply informed by streetwear, music, art, architecture, sport and beyond.
• Strong visual, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to stand behind your work and articulate intent.
• Deep respect for Jordan Brand’s legacy, paired with the confidence and zeal to push it forward.
• A growth mindset; open to feedback, eager to refine ideas, and motivated to continue leveling up craft and impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D design tools and emerging technologies.
• Proven experience working on collaborations or high-visibility projects, contributing meaningfully within larger creative systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a unique blend of technical design skills, deep cultural understanding, and strong interpersonal and communication abilities. The portfolio is paramount, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's capability to translate cultural insights into commercially viable and aesthetically impactful apparel.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrates high-level execution across apparel design, with a clear focus on storytelling and cultural relevance.
• Showcases end-to-end design process for selected projects, from initial ideation and mood boards to final product renderings and specifications.
• Highlights experience in material exploration, silhouette development, and graphic application for apparel.
• Includes examples of how cultural insights, street culture, and sport influences were translated into tangible product concepts.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the conceptualization and development of specific apparel collections or collaborations.
• Examples of how design concepts were translated into technical specifications for manufacturing.
• Documentation of iterative design processes, including feedback incorporation and refinement stages.
• Evidence of cross-functional collaboration throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this Lead Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only display aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a strategic approach to design, proving the candidate's ability to understand cultural nuances and translate them into compelling product narratives and functional designs. The emphasis on "storytelling" and "cultural relevance" means portfolio pieces should have a strong narrative component.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the Beaverton, Oregon area, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized nature of apparel design within a leading global brand, the required experience level, and the cost of living in the Portland metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
• Employee discounts on Nike and Jordan Brand products.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Parental leave policies.
• Wellness programs and resources.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during peak project periods or critical deadlines. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Beaverton, Oregon headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available compensation data for similar Lead Designer roles in the apparel and footwear industry in the Pacific Northwest, considering Nike's standing as a major employer. Benefits are typical for a large, established corporation like Nike and are tailored to support employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear and Apparel, Sports & Lifestyle. Nike, Inc. is a global leader renowned for innovation, performance, and its deep connection to athlete culture and lifestyle trends.

Company Size: Nike, Inc. is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers significant resources, global reach, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: 1964. Nike has a rich history of innovation and brand building, evolving from a sports shoe distributor to a dominant force in athletic apparel and equipment.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Energy Design Director, Ignite, Global Jordan.
• Close partnerships are maintained with cross-functional leads in Brand, Brand Creative, Entertainment Marketing, Product Management, and Merchandising.
• Collaboration extends to leads across Streetwear and Sport Fields of Play, fostering relationships with both internal and external partners for a cohesive vision across Energy categories.
• The design team comprises talented Apparel, Footwear, and Graphics designers across various levels, fostering a culture of collaboration and risk-taking.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging cultural trends, consumer insights, and market analysis to inform design decisions.
• Iterative Design Process: Employing a cyclical approach of ideation, prototyping, feedback, and refinement to achieve optimal product outcomes.
• Collaborative Innovation: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork and external partnerships to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries.
• Brand Storytelling: Integrating narrative and cultural context into product design to enhance brand identity and consumer connection.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture is deeply rooted in innovation, athleticism, and a connection to global culture. The Jordan Brand specifically emphasizes heritage, performance, and a rebellious spirit that resonates within street and sport communities. The "Energy Ignite" team likely operates with a forward-thinking, experimental mindset within this established framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Individual Contributor role, often referred to as "Lead" or "Senior" level within design hierarchies. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence creative direction and mentor junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Energy Design Director, Ignite, Global Jordan. This provides a clear line of communication and mentorship, with opportunities to contribute to broader strategic initiatives overseen by the Director.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's work directly influences Jordan Brand's cultural relevance and market position by shaping apparel that resonates with target demographics. Through innovative designs and collaborations, this role impacts brand perception, consumer engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation by creating desirable products that drive sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance to Design Director roles or specialize in specific categories or strategic initiatives within Jordan Brand or Nike.
• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like material innovation, 3D design, or sustainable design practices.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with Marketing, Merchandising, and Product Development teams.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, honing leadership and coaching skills.
• External Network Expansion: Building a robust network of artists, musicians, and cultural influencers through collaboration projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential beyond just design execution. The emphasis on cultural influence and external partnerships positions the candidate for roles that blend creative leadership with strategic brand building, aligning with Jordan Brand's mission to remain at the forefront of sport and culture.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, which is a state-of-the-art campus designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. It features modern workspaces, collaborative hubs, and amenities that support a dynamic work environment.

Office Location(s): Nike World Headquarters, One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, United States. The location is accessible and designed to be a hub for global talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The campus is equipped with numerous meeting rooms, open workspaces, and informal gathering areas designed to encourage spontaneous interaction and idea sharing among design teams and cross-functional partners.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-leading design software (Adobe Creative Suite), potential for 3D design tools, advanced prototyping facilities, and other technological resources necessary for apparel design.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with fellow designers, developers, marketers, and product managers, fostering a dynamic and integrated workflow. The environment is expected to be fast-paced and highly collaborative.

Work Schedule: The role is on-site, requiring approximately 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and evolving business needs. This ensures consistent access to resources and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at Nike HQ means being immersed in a highly creative and resource-rich environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to advanced tools suggests a workspace that prioritizes innovation and efficient product development, crucial for a brand that constantly pushes boundaries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, articulating design rationale, cultural insights, and the process behind their projects. This often involves a "world-building" narrative for selected pieces.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with potential peers and leaders from Design, Development, Merchandising, and Marketing to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the product creation lifecycle.
• Creative Challenge/Workshop: A potential exercise to assess problem-solving abilities, design thinking under pressure, and how candidates approach ambiguous briefs relevant to the "Energy Ignite" space.
• Final Interview: Typically with the hiring Director and potentially senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Jordan Brand's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 projects that best showcase your ability to translate cultural insights into compelling apparel designs, with a strong emphasis on "Energy Ignite" themes (street culture, sport, music, defiance).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your inspiration (cultural references, trends), your design process (ideation, sketching, material choice, silhouette), and the final outcome. Emphasize the narrative and cultural relevance.
• Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, showcase projects where you worked with external partners or cross-functional teams, explaining your role and contribution.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure clear, detailed renderings, technical sketches, and material call-outs. Mention any 3D or emerging technology usage.
• Showcase Growth: Include a project that demonstrates your ability to take feedback, iterate, and push creative boundaries.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand "Energy Ignite": Research current trends in streetwear, subcultures, music, and youth culture. Think about how Jordan Brand can authentically engage with these spaces.
• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly and confidently explain your design choices, cultural inspirations, and how your work aligns with Jordan Brand's ethos.
• Think Systematically: Consider how individual pieces contribute to a larger collection or narrative. How do materials, colors, and silhouettes work together?

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role at Nike/Jordan Brand is highly focused on the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their creative process and cultural understanding. Demonstrating a deep connection to the target culture and a strategic approach to design will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical flats, vector graphics, and detailed design specifications. High proficiency is a must.
• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for mood boards, visual mock-ups, rendering, and image manipulation. Working knowledge is required.
• Adobe InDesign: Useful for creating presentations and layout design for portfolio and concept boards.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct analytical role, understanding how design choices impact consumer engagement and sales is beneficial. Familiarity with trend forecasting tools and market research platforms can be advantageous.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design is integrated into the broader product lifecycle and marketing efforts is important.

Emerging Technologies:

• 3D Design Software: Familiarity with tools like CLO 3D, Browzwear, or similar platforms is a strong plus, reflecting industry trends towards digital prototyping and visualization.
• Emerging Technologies: An openness and curiosity towards new design technologies, materials, and production methods is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is non-negotiable for this role. Familiarity with 3D design software is increasingly becoming a standard expectation in apparel design, reflecting industry shifts towards digital workflows for efficiency and visualization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Craft: A commitment to high-quality execution, meticulous attention to detail, and continuous refinement of design skills.
• Innovation & Boldness: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, taking creative risks, and pushing the boundaries of sport and style.
• Authenticity & Cultural Relevance: Deeply understanding and respecting the communities that inspire Jordan Brand, ensuring designs are genuine and resonate with target audiences.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Impact & Purpose: Designing with intention, aiming to inspire athletes and fans, and contribute to the evolution of sport culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and Brand teams to ensure design vision is realized effectively and aligns with business objectives.
• Open Dialogue: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed, and diverse perspectives are considered to elevate creative outcomes.
• Shared Vision: Aligning on the overarching creative direction and brand narrative, ensuring consistency and impact across all product lines and collaborations.
• External Engagement: Building and nurturing relationships with external collaborators, treating them as integral partners in the creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Jordan Brand, especially within the "Energy Ignite" team, likely emphasizes a blend of heritage respect and future-forward thinking. Collaboration is key, but with an expectation of creative courage and a drive to define cultural trends rather than just follow them.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Brand Heritage: Constantly pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the iconic legacy of Jordan Brand.
• Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in a fast-paced, evolving environment where project scopes and creative briefs may shift.
• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively translating complex cultural nuances, emotions, and narratives into tangible apparel designs.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Collaborating with a wide range of internal teams and external partners, each with unique perspectives and expectations.
• Maintaining Authenticity: Ensuring designs genuinely connect with subcultures without appearing inauthentic or exploitative.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Trend Forecasting: Access to resources and events that provide insights into emerging trends in fashion, sport, and culture.
• Skill Enhancement Workshops: Opportunities to attend training sessions on new design software, materials, or advanced design techniques.
• Mentorship Programs: Learning from senior designers and directors within the Jordan Brand and Nike ecosystem.
• Cross-Category Exposure: Potential to gain experience or collaborate with other design disciplines (e.g., footwear, graphics) within the company.
• Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to engage with communities and subcultures that inspire the brand, deepening understanding and insight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working at the cutting edge of sport and culture. The growth opportunities are designed to equip designers with the skills and knowledge needed to not only excel in their current role but also to evolve into future leaders within the creative industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a complex cultural insight into a successful apparel design. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on your ability to connect culture to product.)
• "How do you approach balancing creative risk-taking with the need for commercial viability and brand integrity?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking.)
• "Walk us through a challenging collaboration you managed. What were the key obstacles, and how did you navigate them to achieve a successful outcome?" (Highlight partnership and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Energy Ignite' mean to you in the context of Jordan Brand, and how would your design philosophy contribute to this?" (Show your understanding of the team's mandate.)
• "How do you stay current with streetwear, music, and sport culture trends, and how do you ensure your work feels authentic to these communities?" (Prove your cultural fluency.)
• "What is your perspective on the Jordan Brand legacy, and how do you see it evolving?" (Assess your respect for heritage and vision for the future.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your design philosophy and approach. Then, select 3-4 key projects that best exemplify your ability to meet the role's requirements.
• Narrative is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" – the cultural inspiration, the problem you were solving, and the story you wanted to tell.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals. For technical aspects, use clear renderings and spec sheets. For conceptual aspects, use mood boards and inspiration imagery.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on sales, consumer engagement, or brand buzz related to your past work, incorporate it.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, process, and how you handle feedback. Practice concise, confident answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of Jordan Brand's cultural relevance, your ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible designs, and your collaborative spirit. The portfolio presentation is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Nike careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects that highlight your experience with apparel design, cultural relevance, storytelling, and collaborations, aligning with the "Energy Ignite" theme.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of relevant apparel design experience, highlighting achievements in product development, cross-functional collaboration, and cultural insight translation.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a strong narrative focus, be ready to discuss your design process, cultural influences, and how you approach ambiguity and collaboration.
• Company Research: Deeply research Jordan Brand's current initiatives, its connection to various subcultures, and the "Energy Ignite" team's specific mandate to articulate your understanding and vision during interviews.

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

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