Lead Designer, Apparel Graphics Express Lane Korea APLA

Who You’ll Work WithThis role is based in Seoul, Korea, as part of the APLA (Asia Pacific Latin America) Express Lane Team. The Lead Apparel Graphic Designer will focus on graphics, color, prints, and trims across Nike Apparel for both Men’s and Women’s categories, spanning Lifestyle and Performance. This individual contributor reports to the APLA Design Director at WHQ and collaborates with APLA Apparel and Footwear Design, Product Management, Development, Merchandising, Marketing, Global Design, Nike Creative, local PCC (Product Creation Center) and factory partners, and external vendors.Who We Are Looking ForNike is seeking a visionary Lead Apparel Graphic Designer to drive creative strategy and execution for regionally relevant, consumer-connected apparel design in Seoul, Korea. The ideal candidate brings advanced expertise in apparel graphic design, a deep understanding of Korean and Japanese consumer trends, and a proven ability to lead initiatives and mentor others. They thrive in fast-paced, multicultural environments and embody Nike’s values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and courage. This role demands strategic thinking, agility, and a collaborative spirit to deliver high-impact design solutions under tight timelines.Open to work in Seoul, Korea6+ years of professional design experience in sportswear, apparel, or streetwearBachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion, Textile, Apparel Design, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and trainingProficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Miro; 3D/AI rendering software a plusExperience mentoring junior designers and leading complex projectsWhat You’ll Work OnYou’ll lead the seasonal graphic strategy for APLA apparel, crafting innovative palettes, prints, trims, and applications that connect with the APLA consumer. You’ll partner across functions to build trend-driven assortments, communicate design intent, and refine execution. You’ll present concepts clearly, manage timelines, and mentor junior designers while staying deeply connected to Seoul and Tokyo design trends.Create product expressions aligned with global creative direction, seasonal concepts, gender strategies, and geo assortmentsDrive graphic strategy using consumer insights and market trendsCollaborate with Product Management and Development to build assortments and refine prototypesPresent design concepts and storytelling to internal and external stakeholdersManage deliverables, timelines, and feasibility reviewsDemonstrate trend mining and deep consumer connectionMentor junior designers and contribute to Seoul studio’s creative culture