📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead Professional, Brand Creative, Retail, GC
🔹 Company: Nike
🔹 Location: Shanghai, China Mainland
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Retail, Brand Creative
🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting and developing consumer-led retail concepts and the evolution of Nike's retail business
- Creating impactful and scalable design solutions for immersive retail environments and experiences
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and immersive retail concepts
- Staying tapped into the pulse of future design trends and applying this thinking to retail experiences
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking to develop and deliver innovative retail experiences that reflect Nike's brand standards and improve the consumer retail experience.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting and partnering with the Design Director to create seasonal and long-term vision, strategic and tactical direction, and design continuity
✅ Supporting a design process focused on clear ideation, exploring color, materiality, texture, spacing, proportion, scale, and use of the environment
✅ Ensuring project goals and priorities align with Nike's retail brand and business strategies
✅ Constantly seeking new and innovative ways to tell stories through graphics, styling, lighting, sculpture, photography, video, animation, and more
✅ Developing presentation materials that effectively communicate design concepts to all levels of leadership and partners
✅ Collaborating with producers, design counterparts, internal partners, and external partners to ensure the feasibility of designs and functional needs are met
✅ Actively gaining knowledge and contributing to the development of Nike's brand standards, design ethos, products, and processes
✅ Contributing to education and inspiration, sharing knowledge and exposure to current and future trends influencing the innovation of consumer experiences and technology
✅ Collaborating across project teams and the Retail Design organization
✅ Fostering innovative thinking, collaboration, and teamwork
✅ Understanding design processes to ensure results, timelines, and budgets are met
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills and the ability to manage ambiguity.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in graphic design, architecture, industrial design, environmental design, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 8+ years of progressive, technically sophisticated design experience in architectural design, experiential design, or brand design
Required Skills:
- Proven strength in operating in a design studio and delivering progressively complex projects of varying scales, budgets, and timelines
- Strong knowledge of current trends in color, graphic design, art, photography, architecture, and experience design, and their application to the sport industry
- Strong knowledge of production design, fabrication, materiality, and emerging manufacturing trends
- Strategic thinking and the ability to connect the dots across multiple approaches and outputs
- Strong attention to detail
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity and create compelling solutions when the way forward is not always clear
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple and competing work priorities, demands, and changes
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with a highly developed ability to cultivate relationships in an open, positive, and inclusive environment
- A sense of humor, positivity, and an entrepreneurial spirit
- Demonstrated expertise using computer design applications including SketchUp, Figma, Keynote, and Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with motion graphics and video-editing is a plus.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a retail environment
- Fluency in Mandarin Chinese
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role, candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing their work and a passion for the Athlete, Sport, and Culture are highly desired.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Lead Professional role in the Retail and Brand Creative field in Shanghai, China, the estimated salary range is ¥400,000 - ¥600,000 per year (approximately USD $58,000 - $87,000).
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts on Nike products
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization
- Dynamic and inclusive work environment with a strong focus on innovation and creativity
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), with the possibility of occasional overtime and travel (up to 20% of the time).
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Nike operates in the footwear manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on sports, fitness, and lifestyle products. The company is a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, with a presence in over 170 countries worldwide.
Company Size: Nike is a large, multinational corporation with over 10,000 employees globally. As a large company, Nike offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, as well as a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Founded: Nike was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, with the company's headquarters located in Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
Company Description:
- Nike is committed to redefining the future of sport through a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability, focusing on innovative materials, reducing waste, circular design, energy efficiency, water stewardship, transparency, and accountability.
- The company is dedicated to inspiring and innovating for the world's athletes, with a mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.
- Nike fosters a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and respect for all individuals.
Company Specialties:
- Footwear design and manufacturing
- Apparel design and manufacturing
- Sports equipment and accessories
- Retail and e-commerce operations
- Brand marketing and advertising
Company Website: Nike
ASSUMPTION: Nike's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and diversity makes it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the retail and brand creative field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a minimum of 8 years of experience in a related field. The role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Retail Design organization and Nike as a whole.
Reporting Structure: The Lead Professional, Brand Creative, Retail, GC will report directly to the Design Director and work closely with cross-functional teams, including Retail Producers, internal partners, and external partners.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional travel (up to 20% of the time). The role requires strong collaboration and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the Retail Design organization, such as promotion to a senior or management role
- Expansion into other areas of Nike's business, such as product design, brand marketing, or retail operations
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with industry-leading professionals
ASSUMPTION: Given Nike's global presence and diverse business operations, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Nike's Shanghai office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation. The office features open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and recreational areas.
Office Location(s): Nike's Shanghai office is located in the Pudong New Area, one of the city's most vibrant and bustling districts.
Geographic Context:
- Shanghai is a major commercial and financial hub in China, with a population of over 24 million people
- The city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and modern infrastructure, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences
- Shanghai is home to a thriving retail industry, with numerous international brands and local boutiques
Work Schedule: Standard office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the possibility of occasional overtime and travel.
ASSUMPTION: Working in Shanghai offers candidates the opportunity to live and work in a dynamic, multicultural environment with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with cross-functional team members
- Final interview with the Design Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design skills and portfolio presentation
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Nike's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your design work and creative problem-solving abilities
- Research Nike's brand, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
- Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your design process, approach to problem-solving, and examples of your work
ATS Keywords: Story Design, Creative Solutions, Collaboration, Design Strategy, Environmental Graphic Design, Digital Design, Project Management, Communication, Trend Analysis, Presentation Skills, Attention to Detail, Interpersonal Skills, Innovation, Technology Integration, Portfolio Development, Software Proficiency
ASSUMPTION: Given the competitive nature of the job market and the high volume of applications Nike receives, it is essential to tailor your application materials and prepare thoroughly for the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SketchUp
- Figma
- Keynote
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Motion graphics and video-editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant design software is essential for this role, as it enables candidates to create and present high-quality design concepts and solutions.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Act with Integrity
- Be Inclusive
- Bias in Action
- Take Ownership
- Innovate and Experiment
- Overcome
- Play to Win
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Focused on innovation and creativity
- Results-driven and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong passion for the Athlete, Sport, and Culture, and can you demonstrate this in your work and personal life?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and competing demands?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment, and are you able to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and partners?
ASSUMPTION: Nike values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with these values are more likely to succeed in the role and the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines
- Balancing creative vision with functional and practical considerations
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with changing priorities
- Working effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative team setting
- Navigating a large, complex organization with numerous stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role and the organization, candidates should be prepared to face these potential challenges and have strategies in place to overcome them.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other roles in retail design, this position places a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, trend analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams
- In the broader context of the retail industry, this role requires a strong understanding of Nike's brand, values, and design ethos, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to create innovative and immersive retail experiences
- Career paths for this role may include advancement within the Retail Design organization, expansion into other areas of Nike's business, or transition into a management or leadership role
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and compare the requirements, responsibilities, and career paths to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conceptualizing and designing a new retail store layout that reflects Nike's brand standards and improves the consumer retail experience
- Developing a seasonal visual merchandising strategy that showcases Nike's latest product offerings and aligns with the company's brand and business objectives
- Creating immersive in-store experiences that engage consumers and drive brand loyalty, such as interactive displays, augmented reality installations, or event activations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of creative and strategic challenges candidates may face in this role and the opportunities for innovation and impact.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Retail Design organization, and how this role fits into the broader organization?
- How does Nike support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Retail Design organization?
- Can you provide examples of recent retail design projects and the impact they have had on Nike's business and brand?
- How does Nike approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in its retail design and operations, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the position and its requirements.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: Nike Careers
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your design work and creative problem-solving abilities
- Research Nike's brand, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
- Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your design process, approach to problem-solving, and examples of your work
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
