Lead Designer, Core Studio Performance Footwear Color Design

Nike • Beaverton, OR

2d

About The Position

Nike is seeking a Lead Color Designer to shape Performance Footwear through consumer-driven color strategy, storytelling, and execution. The role leads color direction across key performance franchises, translating sport, culture, consumer, and marketplace insights into compelling color narratives that strengthen product and brand distinction.

Working with the Senior Manager and Core Studio Footwear Color Design team, the Lead Designer will plan and execute designs, develop palette strategies across products, and own franchise-level work. The role collaborates with Design, Product Marketing, Merchandising, Product Management, Development, Graphics, and other partners to create focused product solutions and cohesive seasonal journeys. It also mentors and inspires color designers while promoting creative excellence and growth.

Applicants should submit a color-focused portfolio as a PDF or an accessible URL. Accommodations are available during the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Design or a related field, or a suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• 4–6 years of technically challenging color design experience.
• Understanding of color trends, technical color knowledge related to product creation, color compatibility, and color application.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage complexity across multiple product lines.
• Rigor in color application, storytelling, and product review processes, with a high standard of design excellence.
• Familiarity with product manufacturing processes, including materials and fabrics, trims, and dye techniques.
• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills in the local market language, including meeting facilitation and presentations.
• Ability to understand challenges and underlying concerns, share ideas, develop effective responses, or elevate issues to higher management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse group.
• Ability to network, influence, use internal and external resources, and articulate how color can affect product and sales.
• Passion for sport, culture, and innovation, with the ability to translate insights into consumer-connected color narratives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities, and ability to build alignment across cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute franchise-level color vision across the Core Performance Footwear portfolio in collaboration with Design leadership.
• Develop impactful seasonal color stories, cohesive product journeys, and color solutions that strengthen consumer connection and support business growth.
• Identify opportunities for color narratives that amplify product innovation and strengthen brand expression.
• Partner with Design, Product Marketing, Product Management, Merchandising, Development, Graphics, and other cross-functional partners to create compelling products and stories.
• Identify emerging cultural, consumer, and marketplace opportunities and trends to influence future color direction.
• Mentor and inspire color designers, modeling excellence and fostering creativity and professional growth.
• Drive strategic thinking around color application, palette architecture, and storytelling to create consumer impact and influence brand direction.
• Apply consumer, competitor, retail, color, and market insights to product positioning and color solutions.
• Manage color execution across multiple product lines, from concept through commercialization.

Benefits

• Interview accommodations, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications.

What This Job Offers

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