Lead Designer, NikeSKIMS Apparel Product Design - Nike Careers in Los Angeles, CA

About Nike

Nike stands as the global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, driven by a legacy of innovation and athlete-focused insights. With iconic brands and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Nike inspires athletes worldwide to achieve their potential. The NikeSKIMS collaboration merges Nike's performance heritage with SKIMS' dedication to the female form, creating inclusive, empowering fitness apparel that blends strength, style, and sensuality. This partnership is redefining the fitness industry, inviting more women into sport with products that make them feel strong and sexy.

Role Overview

As Lead Designer for NikeSKIMS Apparel Product Design in Los Angeles, California, you'll spearhead the creative vision for groundbreaking apparel collections. Reporting to design leadership, you'll guide a talented team through the design season, from concept to final product. This full-time role demands a blend of artistic expertise, technical knowledge, and collaborative prowess to deliver designs aligned with the NikeSKIMS ethos. Located in the heart of LA's vibrant creative scene, you'll contribute to a bold new position in global fitness, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and cultural relevance.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will involve hands-on leadership in apparel design, ensuring every piece reflects Nike's high standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading seasonal design concepts for diverse NikeSKIMS apparel products and collections.
• Collaborating closely with designers, developers, product managers, merchants, and category teams to meet cost, deadline, and feasibility requirements.
• Translating complex ideas into compelling design narratives through expert communication and presentations.
• Applying advanced design skills in sketching, ideation, color theory, texture, spacing, scale, and visual layout.
• Partnering across functions to ensure designs align with merchandising needs, price points, and production timelines.
• Elevating apparel graphics via innovative craft, construction techniques, and inclusive perspectives.
• Fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity within the design team.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks a passionate leader with proven expertise in apparel design. Essential qualifications include:

• Bachelor's Degree in Apparel/Fashion Design or related field (or equivalent education, experience, and training).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in design environments, working with materials, trims, design, and fit.
• Demonstrated passion for trend, visual culture, sport, and apparel product creation/finishes.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and adaptability to new digital tools.
• Elite communication, storytelling, and presentation skills across formats.
• Strong problem-solving, time-management, prioritization, and adaptability habits.
• Commitment to discovering new influences, elevating diverse viewpoints, and building inclusive teams.

Candidates should embody a culture-builder mindset, balancing creative flair with performance acumen.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing world-class total rewards. The annual base salary ranges from $105,400 in lower markets to $214,700 in high-cost areas like Los Angeles, varying by location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Explore full benefits at Nike Total Rewards, including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, employee discounts, and wellness programs. Nike prioritizes accommodations for disabilities, offering screen readers, interpreters, captioning, and more during recruitment.

Career Growth

Nike invests in your professional journey with mentorship, training, and global opportunities. As Lead Designer, you'll gain exposure to high-profile collaborations like NikeSKIMS, building a portfolio that showcases innovation at a premier brand. Advance into senior design leadership, cross-functional roles, or strategic positions, leveraging Nike's diverse culture of creativity and collaboration.

Professional Development Opportunities

Access workshops, design summits, and leadership programs tailored to apparel experts. Network with influencers and talents shaping global sport culture.

Why Join Us

Be part of NikeSKIMS, a trailblazing venture combining two powerhouse brands to empower women in fitness. Work in Los Angeles with an amazing team, driving products that innovate style and performance. Nike's inclusive environment values diverse perspectives, fostering energy, passion, and impact. Know why you're coming to work at Nike: to create the future of apparel that makes every body feel strong and sexy.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range for this position?

Base salary ranges from $105,400 to $214,700 annually, adjusted for location, experience, and skills.

What experience is required?

5+ years in apparel design, plus a degree or equivalent in fashion/apparel.

Is this role remote or on-site?

Based in Los Angeles, California, with potential hybrid elements per Nike policy.

How does Nike support inclusivity?

By highlighting diverse viewpoints, providing accommodations, and building collaborative teams.

What tools will I use?

Adobe CC proficiency required; openness to new digital spaces encouraged.

Apply now to lead the next era of NikeSKIMS apparel design. Nike is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.