About Nike

Nike, the global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, stands at the forefront of sports innovation. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike empowers athletes worldwide through groundbreaking products that blend performance, style, and storytelling. With iconic brands like Air Jordan, Nike Running, and Nike Basketball, the company dominates the sportswear industry, generating billions in revenue annually. Nike's Kids Footwear division focuses on creating products that inspire young athletes, combining fun designs with high-performance features across categories like running, basketball, classics, lifestyle, and sandals.

Role Overview

As Lead Designer, Kids Sport Footwear Product Design, you'll spearhead the creation of innovative kids' footwear at Nike's Beaverton headquarters. Reporting to the Kids Senior Design Director, this role involves leading design concepts from ideation to execution across six key 'Fields of Play.' Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, product management, marketing, merchandising, and testing to deliver industry-leading products that meet price points, timelines, and athlete needs. This position demands a passionate footwear expert who thrives in a creative, collaborative environment, mentoring others while pushing boundaries in sport performance and lifestyle categories.

Key Categories You'll Design For

Running, Basketball, Classics, Modern Lifestyle, Sandals, and more—crafting price-point products that resonate culturally and perform exceptionally for young athletes.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will immerse you in the full product lifecycle. Lead or contribute to Key Brand Initiatives, researching trends, athlete insights, and manufacturing constraints to generate broad concept ranges. Partner with category teams to ensure design feasibility, then translate visions into accurate 2D technical drawings and tech packs. Present compelling concepts to diverse audiences, champion product integrity, and explore risks for game-changing innovations. Mentor fellow designers, foster connections across Nike's design community, and align with seasonal creative directions to elevate kids' footwear experiences.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks a proven leader with:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years in footwear product design and development, with prior footwear experience required.
• Proficiency in Adobe CC, technical drawing for tech packs, and strong sketching/rendering skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and consumer insights translation.
• Bonus: 3D skills (Gravity Sketch, Rhino, Blender), cobbling/prototyping, performance footwear expertise.
• Soft skills: Positive energy, mentoring interest, collaboration, courage in feedback, and cultural alignment.

Comfort with digital tools and presentation software like Keynote and PowerPoint is essential.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing unparalleled perks:

• Competitive salary with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employee discounts on Nike products.
• State-of-the-art facilities including gyms, cafeterias, and innovation labs.
• Generous PTO, parental leave, and wellness programs.
• 401(k) matching and stock purchase plans.

Work in Beaverton’s vibrant campus, surrounded by nature trails and sports amenities.

Career Growth

This Lead Designer role is a launchpad to senior positions within Nike Design. Gain exposure to global projects, mentor teams, and influence Nike's future. Nike invests in your growth through training, conferences, and leadership programs. Many alumni advance to Senior Design Director or VP roles, shaping categories like performance footwear or emerging tech integrations.

Why Join Us

At Nike, you're not just designing shoes—you're changing lives for young athletes. Be part of a diverse, innovative culture that values risk-taking, collaboration, and athlete obsession. Work with legends in design, access proprietary tools, and contribute to products worn by millions. In Beaverton, enjoy Oregon's outdoor lifestyle while driving Nike's kids' footwear revolution. This is your chance to lead, inspire, and innovate at the world's top sports brand.

Role FAQs

Q: Is footwear experience mandatory? Yes, previous footwear design is required; performance experience is a plus.

Q: What software is needed? Adobe CC proficiency is key; 3D tools like Rhino or Blender are advantageous.

Q: Remote work possible? This is an onsite role in Beaverton, OR, leveraging Nike's collaborative campus.

Q: What's the team structure? Cross-functional with design, development, merchandising; mentor juniors under Senior Director.

Q: How to apply? Submit portfolio showcasing footwear concepts, tech packs, and innovative kids' designs.