Lead Designer, Core Studio Performance Footwear Color Design

Nike • Beaverton, OR

1d

About The Position

The Lead Designer will define and drive color strategy across key Nike performance footwear franchises. The role develops seasonal color stories, cohesive product journeys, and color solutions intended to strengthen consumer connection, reinforce brand expression, and support business growth. Working with the Senior Manager and Core Studio Footwear Color Design team, the Lead Designer plans and executes designs, strategizes palette use across products, and may own work at the franchise level. The role collaborates with Design, Product Marketing, Merchandising, Product Management, Development, Graphics, and other partners, and mentors color designers. Applicants must submit a color-focused portfolio as a PDF or an accessible URL, with a password if applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Design or a related field; a suitable combination of education, experience, and training will also be accepted.
• Minimum 4–6 years of technically challenging color design experience.
• Understanding of color trends, technical color knowledge as related to product creation, color compatibility, and color application.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage complexity across multiple product lines, ensuring intentional, accurate, and consistent color execution from concept through commercialization.
• Rigor in color application, storytelling, and product review processes while maintaining a high standard of design excellence.
• Familiarity with product manufacturing processes, including materials and fabrics, trims, and dye techniques.
• Strong verbal, written, visual, and high-profile 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 escalate concerns, and work independently and collaboratively in a diverse group.
• Ability to network, influence, and use internal and external resources, and to articulate how color can affect products and sales.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and drive alignment across cross-functional partners.

Nice To Haves

• Deep passion for sport, culture, and innovation.
• Experience translating insights into compelling color narratives that elevate products and build brand distinction.
• Strong color and apparel industry insights and experience building stories that connect with consumers and culture.
• Broad understanding of consumer needs, competitor products, consumer retail habits, color, and market trends.
• Strategic thinking, collaboration, and interest in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute franchise-level color vision across the Core Performance Footwear portfolio in partnership with Design leadership.
• Identify opportunities to build color narratives that amplify product innovation and strengthen brand expression.
• Partner with Design, Product Marketing, Merchandising, Development, Graphics, and other teams to create cohesive products and stories.
• Identify emerging cultural, consumer, and marketplace opportunities and trends to influence future color direction.
• Mentor, inspire, and model excellence for a team of color designers, fostering creativity, excellence, and growth.
• Drive strategic thinking around color application, palette architecture, and storytelling to create consumer impact and influence brand direction.
• Plan and execute designs with the Senior Manager and Core Studio Footwear Color Design team, including strategizing palette use across a range of products.
• Submit a color-focused portfolio as a PDF or accessible URL, with password access if applicable.

What This Job Offers

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