Footwear Design Director, Nike Basketball Signature Athlete

The Footwear Design Director for Nike Basketball Signature Athlete will direct the creation of industry-leading footwear, solving complex design challenges and creating iconic products that inspire through function and form. The role involves defining a new visual language for Nike Basketball, partnering across a global brand to build scalable design systems and advance creative innovation. The director will collaborate with the design community and a large project team, report to the Sr Creative Director, Kobe Brand + Nike Basketball, and manage a Lead Footwear Designer.

• Direct the creation of industry-leading footwear, bringing bold concepts to life.
• Solve complex design challenges and create iconic products that inspire through function and form.
• Define a new visual language for Nike Basketball, expressing sport through style, performance, and modern design.
• Partner across a global brand to build scalable design systems and advance creative innovation.
• Explore new opportunities, take risks, and change the game in footwear design.
• Engage with project teammates on research, insights, problem solving around performance and manufacturing, and work with athletes.
• Craft a range of creative and appealing solutions that are sustainable and considerate of cost.
• Participate and present work in informal and formal reviews.
• Collaborate with the Senior Creative Director to build the design direction.
• Mentor and coach designers, and manage a Lead Footwear Designer.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field (or any suitable combination of education, experience and training)
• 10+ years working in Design or related field
• Exceptional knowledge of design, art, and fashion, as well as passion for sport and youth culture
• Expert knowledge of form, colour, materials, human factors related to elevating the consumer experience
• Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into product solutions and narratives
• Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills
• Ability to build accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs)
• Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills
• Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
• Ability to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project
• Experience with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
• Positive personality and energy
• Ability and passion to lead, coach, collaborate, and onboard Design teammates
• Ability to contribute and align to shared team culture and behaviours
• Ability to act as a catalyst to make connections with other Design groups

• Basketball design experience
• Cobbling and prototyping skills
• 3D design programs experience