Lead Technical Designer, Local Creation Apparel

This role owns fit, construction, and technical execution from concept through commercialisation and production for assigned styles, ensuring on-time delivery against key milestones while meeting product quality, performance, sustainability, and profitability objectives. It collaborates closely with Design, Product Management, Product Development, Materials, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional partners to execute product development, fit, and commercialisation objectives, and reports to the Senior Manager, Technical Design.

Based within Nike's North America Local Creation team, the position leads technical design and development of apparel products, translating consumer insights and design intent into technically sound, commercially viable products tailored to local marketplace needs. The role also helps 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.

• Own fit, construction, and technical execution from concept through commercialisation 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 to drive consistency, quality, and manufacturability.
• 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 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, translating consumer insights and design intent into technically sound, commercially viable products tailored to local marketplace needs.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Management, Product Development, Materials, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional partners to execute product development, fit, and commercialisation objectives.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Textile Science or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experience.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational, 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 Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

• Experience developing performance apparel.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, CAD pattern design software, and 3D apparel development platforms such as CLO or Browzwear.

Accommodations are available to complete the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed.