NIKE, Inc

Senior Manager Apparel Technical Design, Local Creation

NIKE, Inc • $110K — $130K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Pattern Making, Textile Science, or related field; equivalent experience accepted.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in apparel technical design.
  • At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
  • In-depth knowledge of the apparel development process, including pattern making and garment construction.
  • Proven track record of leading teams and driving product initiatives through positive influence.
  • Experience managing development calendars, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Hands-on experience with domestic and international manufacturers.

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of technical development strategies and best practices.
  • Guide and mentor a team of Technical Designers, providing expertise and removing obstacles.
  • Oversee development calendars and manage critical project milestones.
  • Facilitate design reviews, prototype evaluations, and fit sessions.
  • Balance short-term deliverables with long-term strategic priorities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution excellence.
  • Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous growth within the team.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.
  • Leadership role with the chance to develop and mentor talent.
  • Engagement in the entire apparel creation process from concept to commercialization.
  • Access to innovative product development practices and technologies.
  • Supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

You will partner closely with Product Design, Graphic Design, Product Management, Wear Testing, Materials, Product Integrity, and other cross-functional teams throughout the apparel creation process to deliver innovative products that serve both athletes and everyday consumers.

This role reports to the Director of Product Development, North America Local Creation Apparel.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Manager, Apparel Technical Design to join the North America Local Creation Apparel team. This role combines people leadership with technical product creation ownership, requiring a leader who can both coach and contribute directly to the product development process.

The ideal candidate is an experienced apparel technical design and development professional with a proven ability to lead teams, drive product excellence, and guide end-to-end apparel creation from concept through commercialization. They bring strong leadership capabilities, a collaborative mindset, positive influence, and a passion for developing talent while delivering best-in-class product.

  • Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Pattern Making, Textile Science or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
  • A minimum of 10 years directly relevant work experience
  • 3+ years of People Leadership experience.
  • Deep knowledge of the apparel development process, including pattern making, grading, garment construction, costing, manufacturing, materials, print applications, embroidery techniques, and production machinery.
  • Proven ability to serve as a technical expert while leading teams and driving initiatives through positive influence and strong leadership.
  • Experience managing seasonal development calendars, team workload, sampling strategies, budgets, and risk mitigation for commercial product collections.
  • Hands-on experience working with both domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, navigate ambiguity, and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with strong attention to detail and process discipline.
  • Proven ability to lead, collaborate, and influence across functions and organizational levels.
  • Experience developing, coaching, and managing teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and working knowledge of CLO, Browzwear, Lotta, or other 3D apparel development platforms.


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

As a Senior Manager, Apparel Technical Design, you will lead the execution of technical development strategies and partner cross-functionally to drive alignment on best practices, digital product creation, and process excellence. You will guide and mentor a team of Technical Designers, providing technical expertise, removing obstacles, and ensuring successful execution across the product creation process.

You will oversee development calendars, manage critical milestones, and lead the resolution of changes, risks, and exceptions to keep projects on track. In addition to supporting your team, you will maintain ownership of a product workload, balancing short-term deliverables with long-term strategic priorities.

A typical week includes leading team meetings, coaching and developing direct reports, collaborating with cross-functional partners, and providing clear communication through key development checkpoints. You will play a critical role in design reviews, prototype evaluations, fit sessions, and commercialization readiness, ensuring product quality, technical integrity, and executional excellence.

This role requires a proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, effectively manages competing priorities, resolves bottlenecks, and drives teams toward successful outcomes. As a people leader, you will foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, diversity, accountability, and continuous growth across the team and broader apparel organization.

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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