Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: Nike Location: EUROPEAN HQ - HILVERSUM, Netherlands Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative Operations / Design Date Posted: 2025-07-24T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for driving emotional connections with the EMEA consumer through compelling graphic design, leveraging narrative and storytelling techniques within apparel collections.
• The position demands a strategic approach to design, translating seasonal creative direction into impactful visual elements that resonate with athletes and consumers.
• The Senior Graphic Designer will work closely with product and development teams to finalize production details, ensuring design integrity while considering costing targets and agility.
• This role requires a strong affinity for world-building and a passion for sport, integrating these elements to create a distinct brand point of view in the marketplace.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the description heavily emphasizes "storyteller" and "narrative-driven graphic design," suggesting a focus on conceptualization and brand storytelling within the apparel design context, rather than purely operational design tasks. This role is more about creative direction and execution within a larger GTM strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of apparel graphics and branding elements, integrating narrative and storytelling to connect with the EMEA consumer.
• Translate close-to-market trend-relevant, seasonal creative direction into impactful graphic design at the product and collection level.
• Drive an elevated consumer-relevant brand point of view through strategic vision, design direction, and storytelling.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including EMEA Apparel Design, Color, Product, Footwear, Product Management, and Development teams, to ensure cohesive and timely project completion.
• Make informed design and application decisions with efficiency and agility, keeping costing targets in mind, and monitor prototype sample development to finalize production details.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic collaboration, typical of senior roles in GTM functions that bridge creative output with product development and market needs. The emphasis on "speed," "agility," and "costing targets" indicates operational considerations within the creative process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is often preferred, though extensive relevant experience and a strong portfolio can substitute. Experience: 4+ years of graphic design experience in an agency or in-house setting, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training.

Required Skills:

• A well-curated portfolio showcasing a variety of projects that demonstrate a strong, effective methodology for research, inspiration, design development, problem-solving, process, and final execution.
• High degree of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; strong command of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop is also essential.
• Deep understanding of Typography, Color Theory, Brand Identity, and fundamental Design Principles.
• Expert narrative development and communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver project presentations to senior leadership and external partners.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams to ensure product and team excellence.
• A proven ability to present design concepts and strategies to key stakeholders, articulating the vision and rationale behind creative decisions.
• Passion for storytelling and the ability to translate narratives into compelling visual elements for product application.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working directly with diverse ranges of consumers/athletes.
• Contribution to the initiation, development, and implementation of in-depth research leading to distinct product storytelling.
• Advanced knowledge of product design, including ideation, development, specification, and final execution balancing innovation, performance, and style.
• Creatively agile and adept in innovative thinking, visioning, and problem-solving.
• Staying connected to sport, cultural, and graphic design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "well-curated portfolio" with a focus on methodology, problem-solving, and execution is a critical requirement for this role. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, is non-negotiable. The ability to articulate design rationale and connect it to business objectives (storytelling, consumer connection, costing) is key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a strong, effective methodology across all projects, detailing research, inspiration gathering, design development stages, problem-solving approaches, and final execution.
• Demonstrate the ability to translate narratives and strategic briefs into compelling visual outcomes for apparel graphics and branding.
• Include examples of how you've considered consumer insights and market trends in your design process.
• Present projects that highlight collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., product development, marketing) and how your design integrated with broader GTM strategies.
• Provide evidence of managing multiple projects with varying complexities and deadlines, showcasing prioritization and time management skills.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they approach research, concept generation, iteration, and finalization.
• Be ready to articulate how you ensure design consistency and brand adherence across different product lines and campaigns.
• Be prepared to discuss how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and integrate it into the design refinement process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary gatekeeper for this role. It needs to go beyond showcasing aesthetic talent; it must demonstrate a structured, strategic, and collaborative design process that aligns with business objectives and consumer understanding. This is a critical element for demonstrating GTM operations alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Graphic Designer role in Hilversum, Netherlands, with 4-10 years of experience at a major global brand like Nike, the estimated annual salary range is likely between €50,000 - €75,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for creative roles in the Netherlands, considering experience level and the prestige of the employer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave).
• Employee discounts on Nike products and apparel.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry events.
• Retirement savings plans or pension contributions.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and creative resources.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the role's description emphasizes agility and working in a "fast-paced closer to market environment," which may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines, typical for GTM-related creative roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for senior creative roles in the Netherlands and the known compensation structures of large multinational corporations. Benefits are standard for such companies but can vary. The "fast-paced" nature suggests that while there's a core schedule, adaptability to project demands is expected.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Apparel and Footwear, with a strong emphasis on innovation, performance, and brand storytelling. Nike is a leader in the global sportswear market, known for its aspirational marketing and athlete-centric approach. Company Size: Nike is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This means access to extensive resources, global reach, and structured career paths, but also a need for agility and adaptability within large organizational frameworks. Founded: 1964, with a rich history of innovation and building a powerful brand identity centered around sport and athletic achievement.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the EMEA Apparel Graphic Manager, indicating a clear reporting line within a specialized design function.
• Collaboration is extensive with the EMEA Apparel Design Team (including Color, Product specialists) and Product Management/Development teams, highlighting a cross-functional, integrated approach to product creation.
• This structure suggests a matrixed environment where designers work on specific product categories or collections, liaising with various departments to bring concepts to life.

Methodology:

• Design processes are driven by seasonal creative direction, consumer trends, and athlete insights, aiming to create "emotional connections" through "narrative and storytelling."
• Emphasis on "agility," "speed," and "efficiency" in a "closer to market" environment, suggesting agile methodologies adapted for product development and creative execution.
• Data-driven decision-making is implied through "informed design and application decisions" and consideration of "costing targets," balancing creative vision with business realities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture is deeply rooted in sport, innovation, and a "move fast" mentality. For a designer, this means being adaptable, proactive, and able to translate brand ethos into tangible creative outputs that resonate with a global audience. The "closer to market" aspect implies a fast-paced, responsive design cycle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" role, implying significant experience and a higher level of responsibility in creative execution, conceptualization, and potentially mentoring junior designers. It sits within the broader "design operations" or "creative operations" function of the marketing and product development ecosystem. Reporting Structure: Reports to the EMEA Apparel Graphic Manager. This suggests a clear management hierarchy within the design department, with potential for interaction with directors and VPs as projects progress. Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to shaping the visual identity and consumer appeal of Nike's apparel products in the EMEA region. Strong graphic design contributes significantly to product desirability, brand perception, and ultimately, sales performance – a key aspect of GTM operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in apparel graphic design, storytelling, and trend forecasting. Potential to specialize in specific product categories or brand initiatives.
• Leadership Development: As a senior role, there's potential to lead specific projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the strategic direction of the design team.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with product development, marketing, and merchandising teams provides exposure to broader business functions, potentially leading to career transitions within Nike's diverse operational landscape.
• Global Exposure: The EMEA HQ location offers exposure to a wide range of European markets and consumer preferences, contributing to a global perspective on design and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Senior Graphic Designer at Nike often involves moving into Art Director roles, leading design teams, or specializing in specific brand initiatives. The emphasis on "agility" and "speed" also suggests opportunities to influence process improvements within the creative operations workflow.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the European Headquarters in Hilversum, Netherlands. This is likely a modern, collaborative office environment designed to foster creativity and teamwork, reflecting Nike's brand image. Office Location(s): EUROPEAN HQ - HILVERSUM, Netherlands. This location serves as a hub for Nike's operations across the EMEA region. Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic, fast-paced work setting that encourages collaboration and open communication.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware, along with creative resources and potentially a physical library of materials for inspiration.
• Opportunities to interact with a diverse, international team of designers, marketers, and product professionals.
• The environment is likely geared towards fostering innovation and pushing creative boundaries.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the emphasis on "agility" and "closer to market" operations suggests a need for flexibility to meet project deadlines. This might involve occasional longer hours or working on weekends during critical launch periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at a major brand HQ like Nike's European hub offers a stimulating environment with access to top-tier resources and a global perspective. The "work environment" is crucial for a creative role, impacting inspiration and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio link to assess qualifications and creative output.
• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they translate strategy into visual execution. This is a crucial step to assess their narrative development and communication skills.
• Skills Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or case study focused on apparel graphics, storytelling, and brand alignment within a specific brief.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with team members from design, product, and management to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your design methodology, problem-solving skills, and storytelling ability.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your research and inspiration, your design decisions, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate your process.
• Highlight Narrative & Consumer Focus: Emphasize how your designs tell a story and connect with specific consumer segments or athlete needs.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your mastery of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate (e.g., a professional website or a well-structured PDF). Be prepared to walk through it confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Nike's current brand campaigns, product lines, and recent design directions in apparel.
• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, linking it to consumer insights and brand strategy.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a brief for a specific product category or collection, focusing on narrative and visual storytelling.
• Understand how to balance creative vision with practical considerations like production, costing, and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates must demonstrate not just talent, but a strategic approach to design within a commercial context, emphasizing process, problem-solving, and storytelling that aligns with Nike's brand. The ability to articulate this effectively in presentations is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo design, and detailed artwork creation for apparel. High degree of proficiency is a must.
• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, texture creation, mock-ups, and digital rendering of designs.
• Adobe InDesign: Useful for layout and presentation of design concepts, mood boards, and potentially lookbooks.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a design tool, understanding how design performance is measured (e.g., consumer engagement metrics, design feedback) can be beneficial. Awareness of dashboard tools used for GTM performance tracking might be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the core design tasks, but understanding how design assets feed into marketing automation or CRM systems for campaign execution could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator. This is fundamental for executing the graphic design responsibilities of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A constant drive to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and bring fresh perspectives to design.
• Consumer Focus: Deep understanding of and connection to the athlete and consumer, with all design decisions aimed at resonating with their needs and aspirations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and building together to achieve common goals.
• Agility & Speed: The ability to adapt quickly to changing trends, market demands, and project briefs, delivering with efficiency.
• Excellence & Passion: A commitment to high-quality work, driven by a genuine passion for sport, design, and the Nike brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Open, communicative, and cross-functional. Designers are expected to work closely with product managers, developers, marketers, and other designers.
• Feedback is integral to the process, with an expectation of constructive critique and iterative refinement.
• Project teams often form around specific collections or seasonal themes, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture values individuals who are not only skilled creatives but also proactive collaborators who understand the business context of their work and can adapt to a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Needs: The primary challenge will be to maintain a high level of creative originality and storytelling while adhering to production constraints, costing targets, and fast-paced timelines.
• Navigating Ambiguity: As stated, thriving in ambiguous situations and driving projects forward with incomplete information is key.
• Global vs. Local Relevance: Ensuring designs are relevant and resonate with diverse EMEA consumer preferences while staying true to the global Nike brand identity.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring and integrating sport, cultural, and graphic design trends into innovative apparel graphics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn new software, digital design tools, and innovative print/application techniques relevant to apparel.
• Brand Strategy Immersion: Deepen understanding of Nike's brand narrative, marketing strategies, and how design contributes to overall GTM success.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior designers, developing leadership skills.
• Industry Exposure: Access to industry events, trend forecasting resources, and internal workshops to stay at the forefront of design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior creative roles in large, fast-moving consumer goods companies, requiring a blend of artistic talent, strategic thinking, and operational execution. The growth opportunities are significant for those who can demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a narrative-driven graphic for an apparel collection. How do you ensure it connects emotionally with the target consumer?"
• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to balance creative vision with production constraints or tight deadlines. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you stay current with sport, cultural, and graphic design trends, and how do you integrate these into your work?"
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback from cross-functional teams and senior leadership?"
• "What is your experience with translating a seasonal creative direction into actionable design concepts for apparel?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Nike and this specific role?"
• "How do you embody Nike's brand values in your creative work and professional interactions?"
• "Describe a time you collaborated effectively with a diverse team to achieve a common goal."
• "How do you contribute to a positive and innovative team environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: Structure your portfolio presentation around the narrative of each project. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals to illustrate your process – mood boards, sketches, wireframes, mock-ups, and final outputs.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you can, mention any measurable impact your designs had (e.g., positive consumer feedback, successful product launch), though this is less common for pure graphic design roles.
• Concise and Focused: Be mindful of time. Highlight the most critical aspects of each project.
• Enthusiasm and Passion: Convey your passion for design, sport, and the Nike brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will focus on demonstrating not just technical design skills, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, collaborative spirit, and a deep understanding of brand storytelling within the context of apparel and consumer engagement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: Ensure your resume and a link to your online portfolio (or attached PDF) are included.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases your design process, problem-solving skills, narrative development, and technical proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Focus on apparel graphics if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills (especially Adobe Suite, storytelling, collaboration), and achievements that align with the job description's requirements. Use keywords from the listing.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, articulate your design rationale, discuss your process, and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced environment. Research Nike's recent apparel collections and brand messaging.
• Company Research: Understand Nike's mission, values, and current design direction in EMEA to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.