Lead Designer, Concept Excellence Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Concept Excellence Design

Company: Nike

Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Creative / Brand Strategy

Date Posted: October 23, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual and graphic language development for Nike's Concept Excellence Team, driving the company's future concepts.

• Translate creative strategy and big ideas into compelling visual art direction and storytelling that influences the global Nike organization.

• Serve as a strategic and multidisciplinary designer, working across various mediums including graphics, type, art direction, motion, spatial design, and AI.

• Elevate Nike's global brand identity by visualizing Nike worlds and defining the aesthetics of experiences that bring concepts to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Nike's Global Design function, specifically in the Concept Excellence team, indicating a focus on forward-thinking, innovation-driven design that shapes future product and brand narratives. The emphasis on "visual art direction and storytelling" and "world building" suggests a need for a designer who can conceptualize and articulate complex ideas into tangible, inspiring visual assets that resonate across diverse consumer touchpoints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Guide the visual and graphic language process for the Concept Excellence Team, in collaboration with Field of Play Concept Teams.

• Lead the creative process for Nike's most impactful initiatives, visualizing Nike worlds and translating opportunities into compelling creative strategies and visual identities.

• Collaborate closely with product designers, consumer insights, merchandising, and brand teams to uncover opportunities and inform creative direction.

• Oversee creative execution from concept to completion, including brainstorming sessions, photoshoots, and agency partner management.

• Present creative ideas and visual concepts to senior leadership, effectively defending creative direction and ensuring alignment.

• Define and evolve the aesthetics of experiences that bring Nike's concepts to life, working cross-functionally with teammates.

• Stay ahead of global trends in design, creative culture, and technology, integrating emerging insights into creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and hands-on design execution. The role demands not only the ability to generate innovative design concepts but also the capability to manage the creative process, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and present effectively to senior leadership. The inclusion of AI in the design toolkit signifies a forward-looking approach to creative execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Multiple Design Disciplines: Proficient in typography, branding, art direction, motion graphics, graphic design, creative strategy, spatial design, and AI.

• Visual Art Direction & Storytelling: Proven ability to develop compelling visual narratives and art direction that brings concepts to life.

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing inspirational storytelling, photo art direction, brand identity development, and world-building capabilities.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present and defend creative ideas to various audiences.

• Project Management: Ability to lead multiple projects efficiently, managing time and resources effectively to deliver high-quality creative output under pressure.

• Adaptability & Resilience: A positive mentality with the proven ability to adapt to changing business needs and work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

• Trend Analysis & Curiosity: High degree of curiosity with a keen understanding of design culture, youth culture, and emerging trends in creative technology.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a global sports or lifestyle brand.

• Familiarity with Nike's brand ethos and design principles.

• Experience with AI-powered design tools and workflows.

• Experience in leading creative teams or mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a multidisciplinary designer with a strong strategic mindset. The portfolio is a critical component, requiring evidence of not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to conceptualize, tell stories, and build immersive brand experiences. The emphasis on adaptability and working under pressure is typical for roles at fast-paced, innovative companies like Nike.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Conceptualization & World-Building: Showcase projects that demonstrate the ability to create immersive visual worlds and define unique brand identities from concept through execution.

• Storytelling & Art Direction: Include examples of compelling visual narratives, art direction for photoshoots, and how visual elements contribute to a cohesive brand message.

• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Present work that highlights proficiency across various design disciplines, including typography, graphics, motion, and spatial design, with an understanding of how AI can enhance these areas.

• Process & Strategy: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process, from initial brief and research to concept development, stakeholder alignment, and final execution. Highlight strategic thinking behind design choices.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, successful candidates will likely need to articulate their design process, demonstrating how they move from strategic objectives to creative solutions. This includes:
  • Workflow Design: Ability to map out and manage the stages of a creative project, from ideation to final delivery.
  • Collaboration Integration: Show how design processes incorporate feedback and collaboration with cross-functional teams (product, merchandising, brand).
  • Performance Measurement: While not traditionally a design metric, understanding how visual concepts contribute to brand impact or consumer engagement is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are centered on demonstrating the candidate's ability to conceptualize, articulate, and execute innovative design strategies that align with Nike's brand vision. The emphasis is on impactful storytelling and world-building, supported by a strong understanding of diverse design disciplines and the creative process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $110,000 - $160,000 annually.

• Rationale: Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Designer roles with 5-10 years of experience in the competitive Portland/Beaverton, Oregon tech and design hub. This range accounts for the seniority, specialized skills (multidisciplinary design, art direction, AI), and the strategic impact expected in a role at Nike. Location-specific cost of living and the competitive nature of the sports apparel industry also inform this estimate.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Nike products.

• Wellness Programs: Access to fitness facilities and wellness initiatives.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for eligible candidates.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility often available.

• Operations Expectation: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the role may require extended hours during critical project phases or to meet tight deadlines, especially given the fast-paced nature of concept design and product launches. The ability to manage time efficiently and work under pressure is highlighted.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in the Beaverton, OR area, considering the experience level and the prestige of the employer. Benefits are typical for a large, established corporation like Nike, with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods / Apparel & Footwear / E-commerce / Retail. Nike operates at the intersection of sports, technology, and consumer culture, driving innovation in athletic performance and lifestyle.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale implies robust processes, extensive resources, and a global reach, offering significant opportunities for impact and career development.

Founded: 1964. With a long history of innovation and brand building, Nike has established itself as a global leader, deeply ingrained in sports culture and athletic aspiration.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Lead Designer, Concept Excellence Design reports to the Director, Concept Excellence Design.

• Collaboration: Works closely with a larger Concept Excellence team and collaborates regularly with product designers, merchandising leaders, brand teams, and external agencies.

• Cross-functional Integration: The role is inherently cross-functional, requiring strong partnerships with various departments to translate creative vision into actionable strategies.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While highly creative, Nike leverages consumer insights, athlete feedback, and market trends to inform design decisions.

• Agile & Iterative: The design process often involves rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration to refine concepts and ensure they meet performance and consumer expectations.

• Brand-Centric: All design initiatives are grounded in maintaining and elevating the strong Nike brand identity and its core values.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture is renowned for its focus on innovation, athlete-centricity, and pushing boundaries. The Concept Excellence team specifically embodies this by focusing on future-forward ideas. The large company size means designers can influence global initiatives but also need to navigate complex organizational structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor role with significant responsibility for guiding creative direction and influencing team output. It bridges experienced design execution with strategic concept development.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director, Concept Excellence Design. This provides mentorship and strategic guidance from a senior leader within the design function. The role will also involve mentoring and guiding junior designers or agency partners.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's work directly impacts Nike's future product lines, brand messaging, and consumer experiences. By shaping concepts, this role influences how Nike connects with athletes and consumers globally, driving brand perception and potential market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design disciplines (e.g., AI in design, advanced motion graphics, spatial design for experiences).

• Leadership: Transition into management roles (e.g., Design Manager, Director) by further developing leadership and strategic planning skills.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Move into related roles within Brand, Product Marketing, or Innovation teams.

• Global Exposure: Opportunities to work on global campaigns and collaborate with international design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for a design leader to shape the future of a globally recognized brand. Growth pathways are geared towards deepening design expertise, moving into leadership positions, or broadening influence across different facets of the brand.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site at Nike's World Headquarters (WHQ) in Beaverton, Oregon. This environment is designed for collaboration, innovation, and immersion in the brand culture.

Office Location(s): World Headquarters, Beaverton, Oregon. This is Nike's central hub for design, innovation, and corporate operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: WHQ features state-of-the-art design studios, innovation labs, and collaborative zones designed to foster creativity and cross-pollination of ideas.

• Brand Immersion: The workspace is likely to be rich with Nike's heritage, current campaigns, and future visions, providing constant inspiration.

• Technology & Tools: Access to cutting-edge design software, hardware, and potentially advanced technologies like VR/AR for concept visualization.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with diverse teams, including product designers, marketers, researchers, and leadership.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week with an on-site presence expected.

• Flexibility: While core hours likely exist for collaboration, Nike often offers some flexibility for individual work. However, the emphasis on "laser-sharp focus to work quickly and efficiently under pressure" suggests that responsiveness and availability during critical project phases are paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at WHQ is crucial, indicating a desire for deep team integration, spontaneous collaboration, and full immersion in Nike's culture and creative ecosystem. The Beaverton campus is a well-known hub for innovation and design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiting team reviews applications and resumes for basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage. Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant work. This will likely be reviewed by the hiring manager and other design leads.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: May involve a design exercise or case study, either as a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual presentation. This assesses problem-solving, creative thinking, and execution under simulated conditions.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds with the hiring manager, potential team members, and cross-functional stakeholders. These will assess technical skills, creative vision, collaborative ability, and cultural fit.

• Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio and/or creative challenge responses, demonstrating their ability to communicate ideas effectively.

• Final Round: May involve meeting with senior leadership for final evaluation and approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that directly align with the role's requirements (concept development, art direction, storytelling, multidisciplinary design, AI integration).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your process, your creative strategy, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement, brand perception improvements). If quantitative data isn't available, explain the strategic rationale and intended impact.

• Show Breadth & Depth: Demonstrate expertise across various design disciplines as required by the role, but also show depth in your chosen specialties.

• Tailor to Nike: Research Nike's current campaigns, design language, and brand ethos. Show how your work aligns with or innovates upon this.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect any creative challenge provided. Identify key objectives, constraints, and target audiences.

• Think Strategically: Before jumping into execution, outline your approach, research, and key creative decisions.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, design rationale, and how you arrived at your solutions.

• Visual Communication: Prepare compelling visual aids to support your presentation.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Time yourself to stay within allocated limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to present creative work and strategy effectively. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, rationale, and how their work aligns with Nike's brand and future vision.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are foundational.

• Motion Design Software: After Effects for animation and motion graphics.

• 3D/Spatial Design Tools: Potentially tools like Blender, Cinema 4D, or similar for spatial concepts and visualization.

• AI Design Tools: Experience with emerging AI platforms for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement (e.g., Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Adobe Firefly, or specialized internal tools).

• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for concept visualization and user flow ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing and brand campaigns are executed and tracked could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design software is a given. The explicit mention of AI in the requirements signifies a need for designers who are not only aware of, but actively exploring and integrating, artificial intelligence into their creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Athlete-Centricity: A deep passion for and understanding of athletes and sport, driving all design decisions.

• Innovation & Creativity: A relentless pursuit of new ideas, pushing boundaries in design, technology, and storytelling.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together, sharing ideas, and building on each other's strengths to achieve collective goals.

• Excellence & Performance: A commitment to delivering the highest quality work, with a focus on impact and driving positive outcomes for the brand and consumers.

• Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Proactive engagement with product design, merchandising, marketing, and brand teams to ensure cohesive vision and execution.

• Open Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative refinement of ideas.

• Shared Vision: Aligning diverse perspectives towards a common creative goal and brand narrative.

• Agency Management: Effectively briefing, guiding, and collaborating with external creative partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture is characterized by a strong sense of purpose, innovation, and a competitive spirit. The Concept Excellence team embodies this by focusing on challenging the status quo and bringing groundbreaking ideas to life. Collaboration is key, as major initiatives require input from many disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Concept design often involves working with nascent ideas and evolving briefs, requiring comfort with ambiguity and the ability to define direction.

• Balancing Innovation with Brand Integrity: Pushing creative boundaries while staying true to Nike's established brand identity and values.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Securing buy-in and alignment from diverse stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.

• Rapid Pace & High Stakes: Working under pressure to deliver cutting-edge concepts for high-impact initiatives with tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Access to leading design and technology events to stay abreast of trends.

• Internal Training Programs: Nike offers extensive learning resources for skill development and leadership training.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and be mentored by senior design leaders within the company.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Hands-on experience with emerging creative technologies, including AI, VR/AR, and advanced visualization tools.

• Global Project Exposure: Working on projects with international scope and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from its position at the forefront of innovation, requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Nike's resources to foster both deep design expertise and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Concept Development: "Describe a time you developed a concept from initial ideation to a visual presentation. What was your process, and how did you overcome challenges?" (Focus on your process, strategic thinking, and ability to translate abstract ideas into concrete visuals.)

• Art Direction & Storytelling: "How do you approach art directing a photoshoot or creating a visual narrative for a new product or campaign? Provide an example." (Highlight your understanding of visual language, mood, and how to convey a specific message.)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you had to gain buy-in from multiple stakeholders for a creative concept. How did you manage differing opinions and align everyone?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.)

• AI in Design: "How do you see AI impacting the future of design, particularly in areas like concept development or art direction? How have you experimented with AI tools in your work?" (Demonstrate curiosity, forward-thinking, and practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Nike's Brand: "What excites you most about Nike's brand, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with it?" (Research Nike's current campaigns, values, and design heritage.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic?" (Showcase your teamwork and communication skills.)

• Working Under Pressure: "How do you manage tight deadlines and high-pressure situations while maintaining creative quality?" (Highlight your organizational skills, focus, and resilience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling story for each project, from problem to solution and impact.

• Visual Focus: Let your visuals speak, but be prepared to articulate the strategic thinking and rationale behind them.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Demonstrate Process: Show sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or any other artifacts that illustrate your design journey.

• Engage the Audience: Be ready for questions and foster a dialogue. Show enthusiasm and passion for your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your strategic design thinking, creative process, and ability to collaborate effectively, all while demonstrating a deep understanding of Nike's brand and its future direction. The portfolio presentation is a key component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position at Nike:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your 5+ years of relevant design experience, explicitly mentioning skills in graphic design, art direction, branding, storytelling, and any experience with AI tools or multidisciplinary design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Develop a digital portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your strongest projects, directly addressing the requirements for concept excellence, visual storytelling, art direction, and multidisciplinary design. Ensure it's visually polished and easy to navigate.

• Prepare Your Presentation Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio and any potential creative challenge responses. Focus on clearly articulating your process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI in design.

• Research Nike & the Role: Thoroughly research Nike's current brand initiatives, design language, and the specific focus of the Concept Excellence team. Understand how your skills and passion align with the company's mission and values.

⚠️ 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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