About the role
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
This role sits within Nike’s EMEA Local Creation organization, a strategic product creation function focused on delivering consumer-right, locally relevant apparel. The team brings together Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, and Costing, working in close partnership with Design, Merchandising, Planning, Brand, Marketplace, and Sales. The role leads a team of ~20, including people managers, in a highly matrixed environment requiring strong cross-functional collaboration.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a Senior Director to lead Apparel Local Creation across EMEA, driving end-to-end product creation from concept through commercialization. This leader balances consumer insight, marketplace understanding, and operational excellence to deliver impactful product results.
The successful candidate demonstrates strong product creation expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead through complexity and change. They bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams and coaching leaders. This role requires building clarity in ambiguous environments, influencing across a matrix organization, and connecting strategy to execution.
Key requirements:
Extensive experience (around 10+ years) in apparel product creation, merchandising, product management, development, or related fields
Proven leadership of large, cross-functional teams, including people managers
Strong expertise across the product creation lifecycle (concept to commercialization)
Deep understanding of consumer insights, marketplace trends, and competitive dynamics
Demonstrated ability to coach leaders and build inclusive, high-performing teams
Strong business acumen with experience driving growth, profitability, and operational excellence
Exceptional influencing, communication, and stakeholder alignment skills
Ability to lead effectively in complex, fast-paced, and evolving environments
Willingness to travel (~20% depending on business needs)
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
You will lead the EMEA Apparel Local Creation organization, overseeing the full product creation process and ensuring the delivery of locally relevant, consumer-driven products that fuel growth and brand distinction.
In this role, you will:
Define and execute the EMEA Apparel Local Creation strategy
Lead and integrate Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, and Costing teams
Manage a diverse product portfolio, balancing growth, profitability, speed, and resource allocation
Drive operational excellence, productivity, and high standards of product quality and innovation
Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Design, Merchandising, Planning, Brand, Marketplace, Sales) to ensure alignment
Build strong relationships with marketplace partners and incorporate consumer and commercial insights into decision-making
Create an environment where teams can navigate change, innovate, and continuously elevate product excellence
Develop future leaders through coaching, succession planning, and talent development
Applications for this role will be accepted until June 25th
Aplyr's read
Nike is a global leader in sportswear, attracting talent passionate about innovation, design, and athletic culture.
What's promising
- •Nike's strong brand reputation offers job security and industry recognition.
- •Innovative product lines provide opportunities for creative professionals.
- •Global presence enables diverse career paths across regions and functions.
What to watch
- •Highly competitive environment may lead to high pressure and stress.
- •Complex corporate structure can slow decision-making processes.
- •Sustainability challenges persist despite ongoing initiatives.
Why Nike
- •Nike's culture emphasizes sports and innovation, appealing to athletic enthusiasts.
- •The company's collaborations with athletes and designers create unique product offerings.
- •Nike's investment in technology and digital marketing sets it apart in retail.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About Nike
Nike, Inc. is a multinational corporation that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. It is one of the world's largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel.
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