Expert Basketball Apparel Designer, Global Jordan

Nike • Beaverton, OR

13d

About The Position

The Expert Basketball Apparel Designer creates original, style-led designs for Jordan Apparel Performance product lines, reflecting Jordan’s design philosophy and supporting innovation. The role translates consumer knowledge and insights into culturally relevant product concepts and narratives, brings seasonal creative direction to life, and collaborates with cross-functional partners from concept through production.

Working under the direction of the Design Director, the designer partners with Design Leadership and teams in graphic design, color, development, merchandising, product management, pattern making, materials, and the Sample Room. The role supports design feasibility, price points, merchandising needs, and product creation timelines. It includes preparing prototype samples and technical pack information; monitoring prototype development; exchanging ideas with partners; and providing guidance, mentorship, and product expertise to designers and other teammates. Work may range from developing seasonal collections to working with manufacturing partners and communicating with athletes and collaborators.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or a related field, or a suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• At least 8 years of experience designing and developing innovative apparel and other products.
• Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into product solutions and narratives.
• Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills.
• Ability to create accurate 2D technical drawings and tech packs.
• Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and construction.
• Ability to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project.
• Experience and knowledge of basketball, or a passion to learn about basketball.
• Positive personality and energy.
• Ability and passion to lead, mentor, and onboard design teammates.
• Ability to contribute to and align with shared team culture and behaviors.
• Creative collaboration with the Design team and a team-first mentality.

Nice To Haves

• Cobbling and prototyping skills.
• Experience with 3D design programs.
• Experience with AI design programs.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative, original designs for Jordan Apparel Performance product lines that reflect Jordan’s design philosophy.
• Research and connect with consumers to anticipate trends and translate insights into culturally relevant products and narratives.
• Lead and contribute to bringing seasonal creative direction to life in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Partner with Design Leadership and category teams in Design, Development, and Merchandising to ensure design feasibility, price-point alignment, merchandising needs, and product creation timelines.
• Provide prototype samples and technical pack information, including fabrication, trim, color, graphic applications, style, details, fit requirements, and construction details.
• Monitor prototype sample development and collaborate with Development, Pattern Making, Material, and the Sample Room to exchange ideas and support timely project completion.
• Provide guidance and leadership to designers and team members, sharing knowledge, experience, and product excellence.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners and communicate with athletes and collaborators.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior