NIKE, Inc

Footwear Design Director, Nike Basketball Signature Athlete

NIKE, Inc$150K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of experience in Design or related field
  • Exceptional knowledge of design, art, fashion, sports, and youth culture
  • Expertise in form, color, and materials related to enhancing the consumer experience
  • Experience in technical footwear design, particularly basketball is advantageous
  • Strong skills in graphic software such as Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Ability to create accurate 2D technical drawings and some experience in 3D design programs.

Responsibilities

  • Direct the creation of innovative footwear designs inspired by signature athletes
  • Solve complex design challenges to create iconic Nike Basketball products
  • Define a new visual language for Nike Basketball that balances style and performance
  • Collaborate with various teams to build scalable design systems
  • Develop and mentor a design team and promote a culture of creativity
  • Engage in continuous research and consumer insights to inform design direction
  • Participate in both informal and formal project reviews and presentations.

Benefits

  • Collaboration with a diverse team of design professionals and other disciplines
  • Opportunities for mentorship and leadership within the design community
  • Access to cutting-edge design tools and technology
  • Culture of innovation that encourages risk-taking
  • Engagement with athletes to inform product design.
Full Job Description
As our Footwear Design Director for Nike Basketball Signature Athlete, you will direct the creation of industry-leading footwear bringing bold concepts to life. You will solve complex design challenges and create iconic products that inspire through both function and form. Inspired by the signature athlete, you will help define a new visual language for Nike Basketball—one that expresses sport through style, performance, and modern design. This role requires both creative ambition and strategic focus, partnering across a global brand to build scalable design systems and advance creative innovation. The ideal candidate is a visionary designer with exceptional taste, a refined aesthetic point of view, and an unwavering commitment to craft. They bring a sharp eye for detail, proportion, materiality, and execution, consistently delivering elevated design solutions. Through strong creative leadership, they will develop compelling products that resonate emotionally with consumers both on and off the court. With a deep understanding of cultural relevance, consumer insights, and emerging trends, this individual will continually challenge industry conventions and set a high standard for creativity, desirability, and aesthetic excellence. - Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training - 10+ years working in Design or related field - Exceptional knowledge of design, art, and fashion, as well as passion for sport and youth culture - Expert knowledge of form, color, materials, human factors, related to elevating the consumer experience - Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into product solutions and narratives - Experience in technical footwear design - basketball design is a plus - Strong Photoshop, Illustrator skills - Must be able to build accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs) - Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus - 3D design programs experience is a plus - Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills - Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials - Must be able to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project - Experienced with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc. - Positive personality and energy - Ability and passion to lead, coach, collaborate, and onboard Design teammates - Contribute and align to shared team culture and behaviors - Catalyst to make connections with other Design groups - Lead + drive partnerships beyond the Design function (Marketing, Engineering, Development, etc.) - Collaborator with a skill in connecting the dots - Speaks up with courage for self and the team - Open minded, good listener, receptive to candid feedback and diverse points of view - Being a hooper is not a requirement but being passionate and curious to learn about basketball and the athlete* is. *If you have a body, you are an athlete **TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE SUBMIT A FOOTWEAR DESIGN FOCUSED PORTFOLIO (PDF OR URL ON RESUME WITH PASSWORD PROVIDED IF APPLICABLE) WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH You will collaborate and mentor within the design community (concept designers, industrial designers, materials, color, graphics, computational, etc.), and work hand in hand with a large project team of different professionals (product managers, developers, researchers, marketing, costing, etc.). This role reports directly the Sr Creative Director, Kobe Brand + Nike Basketball. You will also manage a Lead Footwear Designer. WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON In Nike Basketball, you will work on designs that push the possibilities of the human potential through footwear (and beyond). We expect you to explore new opportunities, take risks, and change the game! In your day to day, you will engage with project teammates on researching, gaining insights, problem solving around performance and manufacturing, working with athletes, and crafting a vast range of creative and appealing solutions, that are also sustainable and considerate of cost. With each project, you are encouraged to also participate and present the work in informal and formal reviews. In addition to individual project work, the Footwear Design Director will also collaborate and help build the design direction with the Senior Creative Director. As a top-tier designer with deep knowledge and experience in footwear, you will be seen as a team leader and mentor for other designers

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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