WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are currently looking for a Senior Design Manager, Kids Apparel Color Designer to contribute to the vision of Nike Kids Apparel Color. Our team works on highly visible product in Kids Apparel on a global scale. Our lead candidates must be able to effortlessly navigate a broad range of insight and influence in the Kids apparel market. Distilling this cultural and consumer information to create best-in-class color direction that inspire and surprise our consumer.

This role requires a high level of passion and creativity, along with the versatility and focus to contribute to color direction and strategy through the product creation process. It takes a dedicated leader and teammate that knows how to collaborate and translate sophisticated insights into authentic narratives, while driving design solutions that elevate the future of Kids apparel at Nike.

As the Senior Design Manager, Kids Apparel Color at Nike, you will work with the Color Design Director to plan and execute color designs, strategize use of palettes across a range of product, and supervise a small team of designers. Working collaboratively with Design, Product Marketing, Merchandising, and Development, you will create focused solutions for market success. You will review product samples and lab dips alongside your partners to identify any issues, and problem solve to get incredible product to market. You will clearly communicate all changes, and track progress against the color calendar to hit deadlines for Women’s Apparel.

Applying a solid knowledge of the Nike Kids consumer & culture, you will strategize around product positioning and strive to create meaningful product. A broad understanding of competitor products, consumer retail habits, color, and market trends is important, as you apply these insights into color solutions. 

We are looking for a versatile Senior Design Manager, who can flex as the work and the needs of the team shift. You bring a deep understanding and connection to sport and sportswear and have experience building stories that connect with both the lifestyle and sport consumer. 

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

As our Senior Design Manager, you will develop color palettes to link into seasonal narratives, build strong presentation tools, and color lineart to detail the creation of each product. Additionally, you will lead and train more junior designers, while demonstrating a sophisticated knowledge and practice of all phases of product execution. 

You will research and deliver color, design, market & lifestyle trends that influence and impact the product aesthetic, application, and target audience. You will use sophisticated design skills to build original, innovative, commercial color solutions for the Kids Apparel line.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

On a day-to-day basis you will be working with a wide-range of internal partners including Footwear and Apparel Color Designers, Design Partners, Developers, Product Line Managers and Merchandising. 

This position has 2 direct reports and will report into the Director, Kids Sportswear and Sport Apparel Color. You will collaborate with the Apparel Design Triad, consisting of Apparel Design, Color Design, Graphic Design, and Print Design.

WHAT YOU BRING

To be considered, you must submit a creative design portfolio. Please provide website links or attached pdf files when you apply.

• Bachelor’s degree in design or related field or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Minimum 8 years' technically challenging color design experience.
• Understanding of color trends, color mixing, color compatibility, and color placement.
• Knowledge of product design and development process.
• Familiarity with product manufacturing processes including materials/fabrics, pigments, finishes.
• Strong verbal, written, visual, and high-profile communication skills in local market language, including meeting facilitation and presentations.
• Ability to understand challenges or underlying concerns, share ideas and develop effective responses or elevate to higher management.
• Ability to work independently and harmoniously in a diverse group.
• Ability to network, influence and use internal and external resources.
• Ability to articulate how color can affect product and sales.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.