Senior Manager, NFL & MLB Apparel Graphic Design

About the Role

The Product Design Storyteller role sits within the NFL Uniform Design Team, which creates the future of sport through authentic, narrative-driven uniform design at the intersection of Gridiron, Community, and Culture. The designer is responsible for authoring powerful narratives that inspire athletes, franchises, and fans worldwide, and plays a key role in the conceptualization, design, and development of uniform graphics and branding elements. This role works closely with the Design Director, Product Leadership, and external NFL partners, and reports directly to the NFL Uniforms Design Director. The designer also contributes to mentoring and developing junior designers within the team and the wider Nike Design community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualise narratives across multiple NFL Uniforms and product spaces through Graphic Visual Centres and Presentations.
• Collaborate with internal and external product and design partners to align on construction, development, insights, and various presentation gates.
• Work closely with Uniform Design teammates to create the future of sport across the NFL.
• Lead brainstorm sessions on creative strategies for uniform design.
• Review uniform designs in meetings to ensure they achieve the desired goals.
• Author powerful narratives that inspire athletes, franchises, and fans worldwide.
• Play a key role in the conceptualisation, design, and development of uniform graphics and branding elements.
• Integrate narrative elements that resonate with fans and athletes into uniform designs.
• Mentor and develop junior designers, fostering their growth and skills within the design team and Nike Design community.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years' experience of graphic design.
• A well-curated portfolio showcasing a variety of projects that demonstrate a strong, effective methodology for research, inspiration, design development, problem solving, process, and final execution.
• Experience working directly with a diverse range of consumers/athletes.
• Contribution to the initiation, development, and implementation of in-depth research leading to product story-telling.
• A positive attitude when working on projects with challenging briefs and through ambiguity to successful completion.
• Ability to prioritise workload across short-term and long-range projects with varying levels of complexity.
• Ability to motivate and mentor designers and other teammates within a project setting.
• Self-awareness and the ability to articulate strengths, opportunities, and takeaways.
• Knowledge of and connection to sport, cultural, and graphic design trends.
• Expert knowledge and ability in product design, including ideation, development, specification, and final execution of designs that balance innovation, performance, and style.
• High degree of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
• Creative agility and adeptness in innovative thinking, visioning, and problem solving.
• A desire to learn and apply 3D design tools.
• Expert narrative development and communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver project presentations to senior leadership and external partners.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in product (footwear/apparel) creation or in an agency.
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop.
• Competency in 3D design tools.

Benefits & Perks

• Generous total rewards package.
• Casual work environment.
• Diverse and inclusive culture.
• Electric atmosphere for professional development.