Lead Designer, Energy Sport Ignite Footwear & Apparel Graphic Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Energy Sport Ignite Footwear & Apparel Graphic Design
Company: Nike
Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations
Date Posted: October 30, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovative graphic design solutions for Nike's Energy Sport Ignite footwear and apparel lines, focusing on creating compelling visual narratives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and product managers, to translate creative concepts into tangible products.
• Elevate the consumer experience by developing emotionally resonant graphics that embody the "ENERGY" of the Nike Brand.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initial concept and sketching through to final product execution and presentation.
• Contribute to defining the future aesthetic and visual identity of Nike's Energy Sport Ignite offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Lead Designer" might suggest direct reports, the description explicitly states "This role does not have direct reports." This indicates a senior individual contributor role focused on design leadership and mentorship within a project team, rather than formal people management. The emphasis on "Lead Designer" in this context pertains to driving vision, strategy, and execution within the design discipline for the Energy Sport Ignite category.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, sketch, and present groundbreaking and innovative graphic designs for Energy Sport Ignite footwear and apparel.
• Collaborate closely with development partners, business managers, and athletes* to ensure design feasibility and effective execution into physical products.
• Maintain a keen eye for detail, managing the scale of projects from broad concepts to the minutiae of trim selection, print applications, and presentation aesthetics.
• Develop and articulate rich narratives and compelling visuals across a diverse range of products, including footwear, apparel, and accessories.
• Effectively communicate design intent and rationale to broad internal and external audiences, fostering understanding and consensus.
• Adapt to evolving project requirements and manage multiple competing priorities within fast-paced product creation cycles.
• Contribute to creating a positive and inclusive design environment, elevating diverse points of view.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation and practical product development. The expectation to work with "Athletes*" suggests a strong focus on performance and athlete insights informing design decisions, a critical aspect of Nike's product creation process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in graphic design, with a strong preference for experience in product design (footwear/apparel) or within a creative agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing innovative product graphics.
• Exceptional creative problem-solving skills to generate engaging and unique design solutions.
• Strong collaborative abilities to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proficient in visual storytelling and narrative creation, translating insights into compelling graphics.
• Expertise in typography design, color theory, illustration, and layout principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe CC) and a willingness to explore new digital and AI-driven design tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of current and emerging design trends, visual culture, and consumer behavior.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design intent and rationale to diverse audiences.
• Experience in sketching, illustration, and print & pattern design for apparel and footwear.
• Familiarity with product creation processes for apparel and footwear, including technical schematics.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in print applications and pattern development specific to sports apparel and footwear.
• A deep passion for and understanding of the sports and athletic footwear/apparel industry.
• Proven ability to adapt to change and manage multiple, competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Leadership qualities such as vision crafting, concept development, and a growth mindset.
• Experience working with and communicating with internal and external partners to ensure accurate graphic execution.
• Familiarity with AI tools and their application in the creative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Leadership Skills" listed under preferred skills are crucial. For a "Lead Designer" role without direct reports, these leadership traits (Vision Crafting, World Building, Aesthetic Sensibility, Consumer Centric Forward Leaning Mindset, Critical Thinking, Global Awareness, Team Player, Growth Mindset) are essential for driving design direction, mentoring junior designers, and influencing product strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in graphic design, with a significant focus on footwear and apparel product creation.
• Case studies showcasing the full design process, from initial concept generation and research to final execution and product integration.
• Examples of visual storytelling, illustrating the ability to translate insights and narratives into compelling graphics that resonate with target consumers.
• Demonstrations of proficiency in typography, color theory, illustration, and print/pattern design as applied to product.
• Evidence of collaboration and problem-solving, highlighting how designs were brought to life through cross-functional partnerships.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow management, illustrating how multiple projects were handled from initiation to completion, meeting timelines and quality standards.
• Present how design concepts were iterated upon based on feedback from stakeholders, developers, and athletes*.
• Include examples of technical documentation or schematics related to graphic application on footwear and apparel.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the product creation lifecycle for apparel and footwear, including key stages and potential design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design role like this, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should emphasize not just the final aesthetic but the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative processes that led to successful product outcomes. Demonstrating an understanding of the technical aspects of applying graphics to diverse materials and product types will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Nike's established compensation structures for Lead Designer roles in the Beaverton, Oregon area, with 5-10 years of specialized experience, a competitive salary range is estimated between $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the seniority of the role, Nike's industry standing, and the specific demands of graphic design within the sports apparel and footwear sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.
• Employee discounts on Nike products and merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education in design.
• Access to state-of-the-art design facilities and technology.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Parental leave policies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. The role is based on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Beaverton, Oregon headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for Lead Designer roles in the Beaverton, Oregon area at a company of Nike's caliber. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear and Apparel, Sports & Recreation, Retail, Marketing. Nike is a global leader, setting trends and driving innovation across the sports industry. Its operations are deeply intertwined with product design, marketing, and global supply chains.

Company Size: Nike is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a complex organizational structure with significant resources and established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: Founded in 1964, Nike has a long-standing history of innovation and brand building. This legacy fosters a culture that values creativity, athletic performance, and pushing boundaries.

Team Structure:

• The designer will be part of the Energy Sport Ignite team, reporting to the Design Director.
• This team likely comprises other designers, product managers, developers, and marketing specialists focused on specific product lines or initiatives.
• Collaboration is expected across various departments, including product creation, marketing, and potentially athlete relations.

Methodology:

• Design thinking and consumer-centric approaches are fundamental to Nike's product development.
• Emphasis on iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from athletes, consumers, and internal partners.
• Strong focus on leveraging technology and innovation in both product design and creative execution.
• Data-driven insights are used to inform design decisions and understand consumer preferences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture is famously driven by innovation, performance, and a deep connection to athletes. For a designer, this means a highly dynamic environment where pushing creative boundaries and understanding the performance needs of athletes are paramount. The "Ignite" aspect suggests a focus on high-energy, trend-setting products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior individual contributor position, often referred to as a "Lead" or "Principal" designer in creative fields. It signifies a high level of expertise, creative authority, and the ability to guide design direction and influence product strategy without direct management responsibilities. The focus is on design mastery and strategic creative contribution.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will report to the Design Director of Energy Sport Ignite. This implies a clear hierarchy within the design function, with the Director providing strategic oversight and guidance, while the Lead Designer executes and innovates within their domain.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is directly tied to the visual appeal, emotional connection, and marketability of Nike's Energy Sport Ignite footwear and apparel. Successful designs contribute to brand perception, consumer engagement, product sales, and ultimately, revenue growth. This role is critical in translating brand identity into tangible product experiences that resonate with target consumers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., advanced illustration, AI-driven design, sustainable materials in graphics) and gain exposure to new creative technologies.
• Leadership & Mentorship: While not direct reports, Lead Designers are expected to mentor junior designers, share best practices, and influence design thinking across the team.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to contribute to broader design strategy, trend forecasting, and the future direction of the Energy Sport Ignite category.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various departments, broadening understanding of the entire product lifecycle and business operations.
• Brand Impact: The chance to leave a significant mark on iconic Nike products and brand narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead Designer" title in this context is about design leadership and influence rather than people management. Growth opportunities will focus on deepening creative expertise, strategic input, and mentorship within the design discipline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Nike's World Headquarters (WHQ) in Beaverton, Oregon. This is a state-of-the-art, collaborative campus designed to foster innovation and creativity. It is an on-site role, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration and access to physical design resources.

Office Location(s): Nike World Headquarters, Beaverton, Oregon. This location is known for its extensive facilities, including design studios, innovation labs, and collaborative workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a highly collaborative and creative studio environment, typical of leading design firms.
• Access to cutting-edge design tools, software, and potentially physical prototyping resources.
• Opportunities for informal interactions and brainstorming sessions with designers, developers, and product teams.
• The campus itself likely offers amenities that support employee well-being and productivity.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). Given the nature of creative project deadlines, there may be periods requiring flexibility or extended hours to meet critical milestones. The on-site requirement ensures active participation in team discussions and studio culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at Nike's WHQ is significant. It implies a culture that values in-person ideation, collaboration, and the tangible experience of working within a world-renowned design hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative output.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their projects. This will likely involve a virtual or in-person presentation to a panel, including the Design Director and other senior designers.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be given a specific design brief or problem to solve within a set timeframe, testing their creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to respond to Nike's brand aesthetic and strategic goals.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with product managers, developers, or marketing leads to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and understanding of the product creation lifecycle.
• Cultural Fit & Leadership Assessment: Discussions to evaluate alignment with Nike's values, growth mindset, and leadership potential within a design context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in footwear/apparel graphic design, narrative creation, and problem-solving relevant to Nike's "Energy Sport Ignite" focus.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design journey for each project – research, ideation, sketching, iteration, collaboration, and final execution. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "contributed to a product line that saw X% increase in sales," "received positive athlete feedback for Y feature"). Focus on how your design solved a problem or met a consumer need.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that showcase your range in typography, illustration, print/pattern, and application across different product types.
• Tailor to Nike: Emphasize projects that align with Nike's brand ethos, especially those related to energy, sport, performance, and compelling storytelling.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Thoroughly analyze any design challenge prompt, identifying key objectives, target audience, and brand constraints.
• Think Like Nike: Consider Nike's brand voice, aesthetic, and the specific requirements of the Energy Sport Ignite category.
• Structure Your Approach: Outline your problem-solving methodology, brainstorming techniques, and how you would arrive at a solution.
• Visualize Your Solution: Prepare to sketch or mock up your ideas quickly and effectively, demonstrating your ability to visualize concepts.
• Articulate Your Rationale: Be ready to explain your design choices, linking them back to the brief and Nike's strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and strategic thinking. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just artistic talent but also business acumen and collaborative spirit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): Essential for graphic design, illustration, photo editing, and layout. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is critical.
• Sketching Tools: Digital sketching apps (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) and traditional sketching methods.
• 3D Design Software (Potentially): Familiarity with 3D rendering or modeling software (e.g., Blender, Cinema 4D, Keyshot) may be beneficial for visualizing product applications.
• AI Design Tools: Emerging tools for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design impacts consumer engagement and sales metrics is valuable. Familiarity with basic reporting dashboards or analytics platforms might be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing campaigns or product information systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe CC is a non-negotiable requirement. The mention of "new digital / AI spaces" indicates a forward-looking approach, so candidates with experience or a keen interest in emerging design technologies will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Product Excellence: A relentless pursuit of quality, performance, and innovation in every product.
• Consumer Focus: Deep understanding and empathy for the athlete and consumer, informing all design decisions.
• Innovation: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new technologies and aesthetics.
• Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and equitable environment where all voices are valued and respected.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together across functions to achieve shared goals and elevate the brand.
• Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges, learning from failures, and continuously seeking self-improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring strong partnerships with Product Managers, Developers, Marketing teams, and potentially Athletes.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to refine designs and ensure successful product execution.
• A proactive approach to engaging with stakeholders to gather insights and align on vision.
• Emphasis on collective problem-solving to overcome design and production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's core values—innovation, sustainability, community, and performance—permeate its culture. For designers, this translates to a drive for excellence, a deep connection to the athlete, and a commitment to creating products that inspire.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: Developing groundbreaking designs that are also feasible for mass production and align with market demands.
• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Managing expectations and incorporating feedback from diverse teams (product, marketing, sales, athletes) while maintaining design integrity.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously innovating and anticipating future design trends in a fast-paced industry.
• Translating "Energy" Visually: Effectively capturing and conveying the abstract concept of "energy" through graphic design across various product types.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Industry-Leading Tools: Working with the latest design software, hardware, and potentially AI-driven creative technologies.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced design leaders and directors within Nike.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining insights into product development, marketing strategies, and consumer research through collaboration.
• Brand Immersion: Deepening understanding of Nike's brand history, athlete stories, and product innovation through internal resources and events.
• Professional Development: Potential for participation in design conferences, workshops, and specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present opportunities for growth. Overcoming them requires honing skills in strategic design, stakeholder management, trend forecasting, and abstract concept visualization, all of which are valuable for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a complex insight or abstract concept (like 'energy') into a compelling visual narrative for a product. What was your process?" (Focus on narrative creation, insight translation, and visual execution.)
• "How do you balance creative innovation with the practical constraints of product development and manufacturing timelines?" (Highlight problem-solving, collaboration, and understanding of the product lifecycle.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to collaborate with multiple stakeholders (e.g., developers, marketing) to bring a design to life. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and consensus-building.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Energy Sport Ignite' mean to you, and how would you visually represent that concept for Nike?" (Test understanding of the brand, category, and creative interpretation.)
• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your work while maintaining Nike's brand identity?" (Assess trend awareness and ability to innovate within brand guidelines.)
• "Describe your approach to fostering inclusivity and diverse perspectives within a design team or project." (Evaluate alignment with Nike's cultural values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: Frame each project as a narrative. Start with the problem or insight, detail your creative process and solutions, and conclude with the outcome or impact.
• Highlight Process, Not Just Polish: Show your sketches, mood boards, and iterations. This demonstrates your thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Be Specific About Your Role: Clearly articulate your contributions, especially in collaborative projects. Use "I" statements for your direct actions.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Enthusiasm & Passion: Convey your genuine passion for design, sports, and the Nike brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design process in detail, articulate their problem-solving methodologies, and demonstrate a clear understanding of Nike's brand and the specific requirements of the Energy Sport Ignite category.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Nike Careers portal via the provided URL.
• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that showcase your graphic design skills in footwear and apparel, emphasizing narrative creation, innovation, and collaboration. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your process and the impact of your work.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Footwear," "Apparel," "Creative Solutions," "Visual Storytelling," "Adobe CC," and "Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and demonstrating your ability to connect with Nike's brand and the "Energy Sport Ignite" concept.
• Research Nike's Energy Sport Ignite: Familiarize yourself with the brand's current offerings, marketing campaigns, and the overall vision for this category to better articulate your understanding and contributions.

⚠️ 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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