Lead Designer, Core Apparel Product Design, Global Jordan

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Core Apparel Product Design, Global Jordan

Company: Nike

Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / Apparel Design

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead seasonal design concept development for Jordan Brand's Core apparel business, ensuring alignment with global brand standards and consumer relevance.

• Drive innovative and well-crafted product designs through expert application of narrative, storytelling, and visual culture.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional design, product management, and merchant teams to bring creative visions to life.

• Protect and grow the Core Jordan Apparel business by providing strong design direction and ensuring product resonates with the target consumer.

• Foster an inclusive environment that highlights and elevates diverse points of view, driving innovation through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for the "Global Jordan" division, emphasizing a focus on the iconic Jordan Brand's core apparel offerings. The "Core Apparel" designation suggests a focus on foundational, high-volume, and evergreen product lines rather than highly seasonal or limited-edition collections. The "Lead Designer" title indicates significant responsibility for creative direction and execution within this segment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and present seasonal design concepts and narratives for the Core Jordan Apparel collection, aligning with business objectives and brand vision.

• Translate complex design ideas into clear, compelling design narratives and visual presentations for cross-functional stakeholders.

• Oversee the apparel product creation process from initial concept through to final design, ensuring quality, consistency, and accuracy.

• Elevate apparel graphics and construction through meticulous attention to craft, material selection, and innovative techniques.

• Actively research and identify emerging trends, cultural influences, and new talent to inform design direction and maintain brand relevance.

• Champion an inclusive design culture, actively seeking out and integrating diverse perspectives into the creative process.

• Collaborate with product developers, product managers, and merchants to ensure designs are commercially viable and meet production standards.

• Maintain a high standard of design excellence, pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the Jordan Brand's heritage and aesthetic.

• Actively participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers and junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, strategic product development, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "protecting and growing the Core Jordan Apparel business" suggests a need for designers who understand market dynamics and consumer insights within the context of a globally recognized brand.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Fashion Design, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training will be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 6+ years of relevant professional experience in apparel product design, with a strong focus on graphic application and concept development.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in apparel product creation, including understanding of construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Proven ability to develop and articulate compelling design narratives and visual stories.

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe CC), with a willingness to explore and adapt to new digital design tools.

• Deep understanding of apparel graphics, their application, and potential for elevation through craft and construction.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex ideas effectively across various formats to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of sport culture, fashion trends, and visual culture.

• Proven ability to problem-solve creatively throughout the entire product creation cycle, from concept to final design.

• Experience in fostering an inclusive and collaborative design environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the athletic apparel or sportswear industry.

• Familiarity with 3D design software or digital prototyping tools.

• A strong portfolio showcasing innovative apparel graphics, construction techniques, and successful product launches.

• Experience mentoring or leading junior design talent.

• Global brand experience or understanding of international market nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "suitable combination of education, experience and training" indicates a flexible approach to formal education, prioritizing demonstrated skills and experience. The emphasis on Adobe CC proficiency, coupled with a willingness to work in "new digital spaces," suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of apparel product creation, from initial concept sketches to final production-ready designs.

• Case studies showcasing the development of seasonal design concepts for apparel, highlighting the creative process, inspiration, and final execution.

• Examples of innovative apparel graphics and construction techniques, detailing the problem-solving approach and the impact on the final product.

• Visualizations of design narratives and storytelling elements integrated into apparel collections, demonstrating how these elements connect with the target consumer.

• Evidence of proficiency in Adobe CC and any other relevant digital design tools used in the workflow. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of how you approach trend research and integrate visual culture insights into design concepts.

• Examples of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, product managers, merchants) throughout the design process.

• Documentation of how you ensure design quality, consistency, and accuracy from concept to production.

• Presentation of how you have elevated apparel graphics and construction through specific design choices and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role at Nike's Jordan Brand, the portfolio is critical. It should not only display aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the product creation lifecycle, commercial viability, and the ability to translate brand ethos into tangible products. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and the strategic thinking behind their creative decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Designer roles in the Beaverton, Oregon area with 6+ years of experience in apparel design, the estimated salary range is $105,000 - $140,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Employee discounts on Nike products and apparel.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Access to on-site fitness facilities and wellness programs.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While core business hours are expected, flexibility may be available to accommodate project deadlines and collaborative needs, with a strong emphasis on on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data from industry salary surveys and job boards for Lead Designer roles in the Beaverton, Oregon metropolitan area, considering the specified experience level and the reputation of a global brand like Nike. Benefits are standard for large, established corporations in the tech and apparel sectors, with specific emphasis on employee wellness and product engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear & Apparel. Nike is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. Jordan Brand, as a division, focuses on products inspired by and associated with Michael Jordan, embodying a spirit of performance, innovation, and aspiration.

Company Size: Nike is a large, publicly traded corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This signifies a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and established processes, while the Jordan Design team likely operates with a more focused, specialized, and agile approach within this larger framework.

Founded: Nike was founded in 1964, with the Jordan Brand officially launched in 1984. This long history implies a deep-rooted brand legacy, a strong understanding of consumer markets, and a continuous evolution of design and product innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Jordan Design team is a significant group, comprising over 100 designers, indicating specialized roles within different product categories and functions.

• The Lead Designer will report to a Senior Product Director/Manager within Kids & Core Design, suggesting a hierarchical structure that supports specialized focus areas.

• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional Design partners within the Core Design team, as well as designers from other Jordan Design functions, product managers, and merchants. Methodology:

• Design processes are likely driven by seasonal product creation cycles, requiring strategic planning and execution.

• Emphasis is placed on pushing creative boundaries while adhering to Jordan Brand standards and consumer resonance.

• Data-driven insights, trend analysis, and a deep understanding of sport culture inform design decisions.

• A collaborative approach is fundamental, fostering innovative thinking and partnership across diverse teams.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Jordan Brand operates with a distinct identity rooted in basketball heritage and Michael Jordan's legacy, while leveraging Nike's vast resources and infrastructure. The culture likely blends high performance expectations with a creative, aspirational, and inclusive atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Lead Designer level, signifying a mid-to-senior career stage. It requires not only strong individual design capabilities but also the ability to guide creative direction, mentor junior talent, and influence product strategy within a specific segment (Core Apparel). The scope includes end-to-end product creation leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer reports to a Senior Product Director/Manager, indicating a clear line of leadership and accountability within the Core Design team. This structure allows for strategic oversight and guidance from senior leadership while empowering the Lead Designer to drive day-to-day creative execution.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer has a direct impact on the commercial success and brand perception of Jordan Brand's Core Apparel business. By creating compelling, well-crafted, and consumer-relevant products, they influence revenue, market share, and brand loyalty. Their work helps to protect and grow a critical segment of the Jordan Brand portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Senior Lead Designer, Design Director, or other leadership roles within Jordan Design or broader Nike product creation functions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific apparel categories, construction techniques, or design methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within product management, merchandising, or brand marketing within the Jordan Brand ecosystem.

• Global Exposure: Potential to work on global product initiatives, travel internationally for research or collaboration, and contribute to diverse market needs.

• Mentorship & Skill Development: Opportunities to mentor emerging designers, lead design workshops, and continuously develop cutting-edge design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for a designer to make a tangible impact on a globally recognized brand. The growth trajectory is clear, offering pathways for both deepening specialization and expanding leadership responsibilities within the Nike/Jordan Brand organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Beaverton, Oregon, at Nike's World Headquarters. This campus is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation among its employees. It's a hub for design, research, and development.

Office Location(s): Beaverton, Oregon, United States. Nike's World Headquarters is a large, integrated campus designed for its global workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The workspace will likely include open-plan areas, dedicated design studios, and meeting rooms equipped for creative brainstorming, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe CC), potentially advanced prototyping tools, and a robust IT infrastructure to support digital workflows.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a diverse team of designers, product managers, developers, and other creative professionals, fostering a dynamic and inspiring work environment.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position. While core business hours are expected (approximately 40 hours per week), the nature of creative roles often involves periods of intense work to meet seasonal deadlines, with potential for some flexibility managed by the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton offers a unique environment for designers, providing access to resources, talent, and a culture that is deeply invested in athletic innovation and design excellence. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and immersion in the brand's creative ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements and experience level.

• First Round Interview: Typically a conversation with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design team to discuss your background, design philosophy, and initial fit. May include questions about your approach to apparel design and brand understanding.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Candidates are often given a design brief or asked to present existing work from their portfolio. This is a critical stage to assess your creative problem-solving skills, design execution, understanding of the Jordan Brand, and ability to articulate your process and rationale.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators, such as product managers, developers, and merchants, to evaluate your ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the Jordan Brand's design vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in apparel design, graphic application, and product creation relevant to Jordan Brand's aesthetic and market.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome (including any measurable impact if possible).

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, mood boards, technical drawings, and digital renderings to demonstrate your end-to-end design journey.

• Highlight Craftsmanship: Emphasize your attention to detail in construction, material selection, and graphic execution.

• Brand Alignment: Ensure your presented work demonstrates an understanding of the Jordan Brand's ethos, heritage, and target consumer.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently and answer in-depth questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Deeply research Jordan Brand's history, current collections, athlete endorsements, and overall brand narrative. Understand what "Core Apparel" means for them.

• Anticipate Design Briefs: Practice designing for athletic apparel, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and storytelling relevant to basketball culture and the Jordan consumer.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you approach design challenges, innovate with materials or construction, and balance creative vision with commercial viability.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design thinking clearly and confidently, using visual aids effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at a company like Nike is rigorous and design-centric. The portfolio review and potential design challenge are paramount. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just artistic talent but also strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and a deep understanding of the Jordan Brand's unique market position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe CC): Essential for all graphic design, illustration, and layout tasks. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially InDesign for presentations.

• 3D Design Software: While not explicitly mentioned as required, proficiency in tools like CLO3D, Browzwear, or similar 3D apparel design software is highly beneficial for visualizing concepts and creating virtual prototypes.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Familiarity with PLM systems used for managing product development, specifications, and data flow is advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how product performance is tracked via sales data, conversion rates, and consumer feedback is important for informing design decisions. Familiarity with internal reporting dashboards may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Designers typically do not directly use CRM systems, but understanding how consumer insights are gathered and utilized by marketing and product teams can inform design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe CC is a stated requirement. For a Lead Designer role at a company like Nike, familiarity with 3D design software is increasingly becoming a standard expectation for visualizing and iterating on designs efficiently, even if not explicitly listed as mandatory.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering the highest quality products and pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

• Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and welcoming environment where all voices are heard and valued, reflected in both the design process and the final product.

• Collaboration: Working seamlessly with cross-functional teams, valuing partnership and shared problem-solving to achieve common goals.

• Performance: A dedication to athletic excellence and empowering athletes, which translates into a high-performance culture within the design team.

• Authenticity: Staying true to the Jordan Brand's heritage, values, and connection to sport culture, while evolving for the future.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers, developers, merchants, and marketing teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate ideas between disciplines.

• Design Critiques: Regular design reviews and feedback sessions are integral to the process, fostering a culture of constructive criticism and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights on trends, new technologies, and design techniques to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike, and by extension Jordan Brand, emphasizes a culture of innovation, performance, and inclusivity. For a designer, this means being part of a fast-paced, collaborative environment where creative ideas are encouraged, but must be grounded in brand integrity and commercial viability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Heritage with Modern Trends: Consistently innovating for the Core Apparel line while respecting the iconic legacy of the Jordan Brand and staying relevant to contemporary consumers.

• Global Consistency vs. Local Relevance: Developing designs that resonate with a global audience while potentially needing to adapt for specific regional preferences or market nuances.

• Fast-Paced Product Cycles: Meeting demanding seasonal deadlines and rapid iteration cycles inherent in the athletic apparel industry.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively navigating diverse stakeholder needs and priorities to ensure design integrity is maintained throughout the product development process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to workshops and training on emerging design software, materials, and construction methods.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend trade shows, conferences, and cultural events to stay ahead of trends and gain inspiration.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities with senior design leaders within Jordan Brand and Nike.

• Leadership Development: Training and experiences focused on developing strategic thinking, team leadership, and influential communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges within a high-stakes environment. The emphasis on continuous learning and development is key to thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of athletic apparel design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new Core Apparel collection for Jordan Brand that appeals to both existing fans and a younger demographic?" (Focus on brand understanding, target audience, and design strategy.)

• "Describe a time you had to elevate apparel graphics or construction through innovative techniques. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, craftsmanship, and impact.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with the commercial realities and production constraints of a global brand like Jordan?" (Assess business acumen and practical application of design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does the Jordan Brand mean to you, and how do you see its role in sport culture today?" (Demonstrate passion and alignment with brand values.)

• "Describe your experience fostering an inclusive design environment. How do you ensure diverse perspectives are integrated into your work?" (Assess collaboration and DEI understanding.)

• "How do you stay current with trends in apparel design, sport culture, and visual trends?" (Showcase continuous learning and proactive research.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The Jordan Narrative: Frame your portfolio through the lens of the Jordan Brand. Explain how your work aligns with its legacy, performance, and aspirational qualities.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, walk through your process visually. Use mood boards, sketches, 3D renderings, and final product images to illustrate your journey.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on product success (e.g., sales, positive reviews), be ready to share it. If not, articulate the intended impact and strategic reasoning behind your design choices.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your technical skills, material choices, construction methods, and how you solved specific design problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the Jordan Brand, a strong grasp of apparel design principles specific to athletic wear, and the ability to articulate a clear, strategic design process. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Nike Careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in apparel design, graphic application, product creation, and any relevant leadership or mentorship roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and showcases your strongest work relevant to Jordan Brand's Core Apparel. Be ready to present it digitally or in person.

• Research the Brand: Thoroughly research Jordan Brand's history, current product lines, target audience, and design aesthetic. Understand what "Core Apparel" signifies for the brand.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and be ready to articulate your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work aligns with Jordan Brand's values and goals.

⚠️ 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.