NIKE, Inc

Director, Accessories Design, Licensing

NIKE, Inc$120K — $150K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Design or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 10+ years in brand and concept design, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership capacity.
  • Strong grasp of brand systems and consumer-led design principles.
  • In-depth knowledge of street fashion, art, and sports influences in design.
  • Exceptional communication and influencing skills across diverse teams and cultures.
  • Experience managing external partnerships and navigating complex approval processes.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design tools with strong visual and technical skills.
  • A portfolio showcasing strategic thinking and impactful leadership in design.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design direction and strategy for Nike Accessories licensee partners globally.
  • Create seasonal narratives to enhance product storytelling for consumers.
  • Develop a Design Toolkit to empower internal and external design teams.
  • Translate Nike's brand language into cohesive collections meshing street fashion and sports.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure brand consistency in licensee projects.
  • Evaluate and provide feedback on design proposals from licensee partners.
  • Innovate by discovering new materials and design solutions to enhance product offerings.
  • Identify and pursue new opportunities and partnerships in the accessories market.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing design team.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
  • Engagement with diverse creative and business teams.
  • Work within a globally recognized brand in the sports industry.
  • Access to cutting-edge design tools and resources.
Full Job Description
As the Director of Accessories Design, Licensing, you will be part of the design leadership team reporting to our Accessories Senior Design Director. You and your peers are shaping the new chapter of Nike Accessories, serving the Athlete and consumer with industry leading product solutions, aspirational design and strong brand storytelling. Accessories Design is connected to all Sports of Nike Inc. You will be connecting with external license partners, seeking out new partnerships and building strong internal networks across all sports teams while driving product solutions, cultural relevance and brand right consistency with external license partners of the brand.

We are seeking a visionary and collaborative Design Director to lead the Licensee Team within Nike Accessories. This individual will be responsible for building a Design Toolkit for internal Sports Design teams and Licensee partners, ensuring alignment with Nike's design ethos, brand standards, and cultural relevance. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of brand, concept and product design, and the ability to inspire and influence across diverse creative and business teams. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit to find and suggest new opportunities and partners, alongside a strong point of view, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to elevate design excellence through partnership.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
  • 10+ years of experience in brand design and concept design, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of brand systems, cultural storytelling, and consumer-led design.
  • Deep knowledge of street fashion, art, culture, and sports as design drivers.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to influence across functions and cultures.
  • Experience managing external partners and navigating complex approval processes.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design tools; strong visual and technical design skills.
  • A portfolio that demonstrates creative excellence, strategic thinking, and leadership impact.


  • Lead the design direction and seasonal design strategy for Nike Accessories licensee partners across multiple global markets.
  • Build seasonal narratives, worlds and end-in mind ideas to host the product stories for our consumer.
  • Develop and deliver a Design Toolkit that empowers internal Sports Design teams and external licensee partners to create work that reflects Nike's brand DNA.
  • Translate Nike's brand and concept design language into compelling collections that integrate street fashion, art, culture, and sports.
  • Partner closely with internal category design, merchandising, and brand teams to ensure consistency and authenticity across all licensee work.
  • Review and approve seasonal design proposals from licensee partners, providing actionable feedback and creative guidance.
  • Drive innovation by identifying new materials, silhouettes, and design solutions that elevate the licensee portfolio.
  • Proactively identify new opportunities and partnerships that expand Nike's reach and influence in the accessories space.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing team of designers and cross-functional collaborators.


About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ

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