NIKE, Inc

Lead Product Line Manager, Global WNBA Uniforms

NIKE, Inc$100K — $130K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in product management, product creation, or merchandising within apparel industries.
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, product creation, merchandising, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Proven leadership experience with cross-functional product teams.
  • Deep understanding of technical apparel product creation processes.
  • Strong consumer focus with a passion for understanding athlete needs and cultural relevance.
  • Knowledge of market trends and competition in the sports apparel sector.
  • Experience with licensed products, particularly uniforms or team sports apparel, is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Own the product strategy and line plan for Licensed Uniforms in the NBA/WNBA.
  • Create insight-driven product briefs based on athlete and consumer feedback.
  • Drive technical excellence in uniforms and system apparel such as jerseys and base layers.
  • Collaborate with Design and Technical Design teams to ensure product meets performance standards.
  • Transform research and insights into actionable product decisions.
  • Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to commercialization.
  • Craft compelling product narratives for seasonal reviews and league approvals.
  • Manage product costs and ensure profitability targets are met.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work at the intersection of sport, culture, and product excellence.
  • High visibility role with significant accountability and impact.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Potential for involvement in innovative and cutting-edge apparel design.
  • Chance to connect with athletes and play a role in their product validation.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

You will lead across a cross-functional product triad and broader ecosystem, driving alignment and decision-making without direct authority.

Key partners include:
  • Design (Apparel + Color) - expression, storytelling, and visual direction
  • Technical Design & Development - fit, construction, performance execution
  • Global Merchandising - line planning, pricing, and assortment strategy
  • League & Licensing Partners - approvals, and storytelling alignment
  • Athletes & Innovation Teams - performance validation and feedback


This role will report to the Director of Global Apparel WNBA

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a Lead Product Line Manager for Licensed Uniforms to own and drive the end-to-end product creation process for NBA/WNBA on-court uniforms and related system apparel. This is a high-visibility, high-accountability role at the intersection of sport, culture, and product excellence.

This individual must be a product-first leader with a deep understanding of technical apparel, athlete needs, and system-based product creation. They must demonstrate exceptional communication and influencing skills, the ability to translate consumer insights into product decisions, and a proven track record of leading cross-functional product triads.

The ideal candidate is consumer-obsessed, detail-oriented, and highly decisive-capable of turning complex inputs (consumer, athlete, league, and business) into clear, executable product direction.

What you bring:

Experience & Leadership
  • 7+ years' experience in product management, product creation, or merchandising in apparel with strong business acumen and analytical capability
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, product creation, merchandising or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional product teams / triads with strong collaboration and accountability
  • Strong understanding of technical apparel product creation
  • Passion for understanding consumer needs, athlete demands, and cultural relevance and translating into product briefs and line plans
  • Strong understanding of market trends, competition, and sport culture
  • Experience working with licensed products, uniforms, or team sport apparel strongly preferred


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

Licensed Uniforms sit at the center of sport, culture, and product credibility. This role will define how we show up on the global stage-creating products that athletes trust, consumers want to wear, and that elevate the game.

You will lead the end-to-end product lifecycle for Licensed Uniforms, from insight to final product, ensuring excellence across performance, design, storytelling, and system integrity.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Own product strategy and line plan architecture for Licensed Uniforms across NBA and/or WNBA
  • Lead creation of clear, insight-driven product briefs that translate consumer, athlete, and league inputs into specific product requirements (fit, material, construction, trims)
  • Drive technical product excellence across uniforms and system apparel (jersey, short, base layer, warm-up)
  • Partner with Design, Tech Design, and Development to ensure product execution meets athlete performance standards and league requirements
  • Translate consumer research, athlete feedback, and marketplace insights into tangible product decisions, not abstract direction
  • Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality, and profitability targets are hit
  • Build and deliver compelling product narratives and presentations for key gates (seasonal reviews, leadership forums, league approvals)
  • Ensure product systems thinking across uniforms (not isolated SKUs but cohesive head-to-toe expressions)
  • Manage product costs, margin targets, and pricing alignment in partnership with merchandising and sourcing
  • Drive alignment across league, athlete, and internal stakeholders to deliver cohesive and premium product experiences


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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