Lead Professinal,Art Buying & Casting, Production, Icon Studios, Marketing, GC

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Lead Professional, Art Buying & Casting, Production, Icon Studios, Marketing, GC

🔹 Company: Nike

🔹 Location: Shanghai, China Mainland

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Talent scouting and trend analysis in photography, director, and visual arts
• Strategic casting choices to define Nike's next-season narratives
• Creative dialogue with artists across all career stages
• Negotiating contracts, usage, and scopes with artists/agents
• Collaboration with internal Nike stakeholders to align production outputs with broader brand and business goals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the creative industry and a keen eye for emerging talent. It also demands excellent communication skills and the ability to balance creative ambition with production needs.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Talent Scouting & Trends: Identify and track rising photographers, directors, and multidisciplinary artists. Guide seasonal casting strategies to align with Nike’s creative vision.

✅ Art Buying Mastery: Source talent for projects of all scales, from global campaigns to experimental collaborations. Negotiate scopes and foster artist relationships.

✅ Creative Dialogue: Engage artists at all career stages—from emerging to established—with clarity and cultural relevance.

ASSUMPTION: The role involves frequent interaction with artists, agents, and internal stakeholders, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Fine Arts, Communications, Marketing) or equivalent experience.

Experience: 5+ years in art buying, talent scouting, or creative production.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in art buying, talent scouting, or creative production
• Extensive industry contacts and an instinct for spotting rising stars
• Ability to translate creative briefs into actionable talent strategies
• Fluency in negotiating contracts, usage, and scopes with artists/agents
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Bilingual in English and Mandarin (or another local language)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a fast-paced, in-house production studio
• Knowledge of the Chinese creative industry and market trends
• Familiarity with Nike's brand standards and creative direction

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on talent scouting and creative production, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant experience is highly desirable.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing role in Shanghai, the estimated salary range is ¥350,000 - ¥500,000 per year. This range may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans
• Employee discounts on Nike products
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment

Working Hours: Standard working hours apply, with adjustments and arrangements based on business needs. The position may require working on days other than Saturdays and Sundays.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Nike operates in the footwear manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on sports and athletic apparel. The company is known for its innovative products, marketing campaigns, and commitment to sustainability.

Company Size: Nike is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Nike was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. The company has since grown into a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment.

Company Description:

• Nike is committed to redefining the future of sport through environmental sustainability
• The company focuses on innovative materials, reducing waste, circular design, energy efficiency, water stewardship, and transparency
• Nike's mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world

Company Specialties:

• Footwear manufacturing
• Sports and athletic apparel
• Sustainable business practices
• Innovative marketing campaigns

Company Website: https://www.nike.com/in/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok

ASSUMPTION: Nike's commitment to sustainability and innovation sets it apart in the footwear manufacturing industry. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their alignment with these values during the interview process.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of Nike's marketing and production hierarchy. It offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Director of Studio Production and collaborates with various internal stakeholders, including creative and styling teams, post-production specialists, and digital imaging experts.

Work Arrangement: The role is on-site, with the possibility of hybrid or remote work arrangements depending on business needs and the candidate's qualifications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior or management role within Nike's marketing or production departments
• Expansion into other areas of Nike's business, such as product development or brand management
• Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and projects

ASSUMPTION: Given Nike's global presence and diverse product offerings, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Nike's Shanghai office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Nike's Shanghai office is located in the NIKE GC HQ in Shanghai, China Mainland.

Geographic Context:

• Shanghai is a major commercial and financial hub in China, with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong focus on innovation and technology
• The city is home to numerous multinational corporations and offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development
• Shanghai's climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers

Work Schedule: Standard working hours apply, with adjustments and arrangements based on business needs. The position may require working on days other than Saturdays and Sundays.

ASSUMPTION: Shanghai's dynamic business environment and cultural scene make it an ideal location for a creative and innovative role like this one.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the Director of Studio Production

Key Assessment Areas:

• Cultural fit and alignment with Nike's values
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the Chinese creative market
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant industry experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your alignment with Nike's values
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your art buying and casting experience, as well as any relevant creative projects
• Research Nike's recent marketing campaigns and be prepared to discuss your thoughts on their creative direction

ATS Keywords: Art Buying, Talent Scouting, Creative Production, Negotiation, Cultural Relevance, Photography, Visual Arts, Emerging Talent, Creative Strategy, Brand Standards, Collaboration, E-commerce Content, Production Needs, Artist Relationships, Creative Dialogue, Trend Analysis

ASSUMPTION: Nike's recruitment process is designed to assess the candidate's cultural fit, industry knowledge, and relevant skills. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of the role and their alignment with Nike's values throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, WeChat, Weibo)

ASSUMPTION: The role may require the use of additional tools and technologies specific to Nike's internal systems and processes.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Nike encourages creativity and continuous learning
• Inclusion: Nike values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment
• Integrity: Nike expects its employees to act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of their work

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Nike encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Dynamic: Nike's work environment is fast-paced and ever-changing, requiring employees to be adaptable and resilient
• Creative: Nike values innovation and encourages employees to think outside the box

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong understanding of the Chinese creative industry and market trends?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in art buying, talent scouting, or creative production?

ASSUMPTION: Nike's company culture is dynamic, innovative, and collaborative. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values throughout the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of projects and tight deadlines
• Navigating the complexities of the Chinese creative market
• Balancing creative ambition with production needs and brand standards
• Adapting to Nike's fast-paced and ever-changing work environment

ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional art buying and casting roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the Chinese creative market and a keen eye for emerging talent
• Nike's commitment to sustainability and innovation sets it apart from other footwear manufacturing companies
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within Nike's marketing and production departments

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles within Nike and other footwear manufacturing companies to gain a better understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges presented by this position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Leading a global casting campaign for Nike's latest footwear collection
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop a seasonal casting strategy that aligns with Nike's creative vision
• Negotiating contracts and scopes with high-profile artists and agents for a series of experimental collaborations

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and achievements in art buying, talent scouting, and creative production throughout the interview process.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within Icon Studios?
• How does this role contribute to Nike's broader brand and business goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role?
• How does Nike support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their alignment with Nike's values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and achievements in art buying, talent scouting, and creative production
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your relevant experience and achievements in art buying, talent scouting, and creative production
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.