Lead Technical Designer, Local Creation Apparel (multiple openings)

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Management, Product Development, Materials, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional partners to execute against product development, fit, and commercialization objectives.
• Report to the Senior Manager, Technical Design.
• Own fit, construction, and technical execution from concept through commercialization and production for assigned styles, ensuring on-time delivery against key milestones while meeting product quality, performance, sustainability, and profitability objectives.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for complex apparel styles, including Tech Packs, product specifications, and prototype notes.
• Establish and execute fit and construction standards across a product category or team, driving consistency, quality, and manufacturability throughout the product creation process.
• Manage and facilitate prototyping, identify and resolve technical and manufacturing challenges, and proactively mitigate risks to deliver proven, tested products.
• Monitor product progress, communicate key updates and issues to stakeholders, and ensure product integrity standards are achieved throughout development.
• Stay connected to consumer needs, market trends, emerging technologies, and business priorities, using those insights to inform product decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted technical expert, positively influencing partners and leading initiatives that elevate team capability and product excellence.
• Lead the technical design and development of apparel products within Nike's North America Local Creation team.
• Translate consumer insights and design intent into technically sound, commercially viable products tailored to local marketplace needs.
• Help shape new ways of working, influence evolving product creation processes, and build capabilities that accelerate the growth and impact of the Local Creation product engine.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Textile Science or related field (or suitable combination of education, experience, and training).
• Minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experience.
• Experience developing performance apparel preferred.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret design intent, propose alternative solutions, and serve as a trusted technical resource.
• Expertise in developing product specifications, construction standards, and technical documentation.
• Experience partnering with factory vendors and manufacturing teams to improve product quality and manufacturability.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects and initiatives that enhance team capabilities and business outcomes.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, CAD pattern design software, and 3D apparel development platforms such as CLO or Browzwear (strongly preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.