Director, SPW & FCC APP Design

Role Overview

• Create and direct seasonal creative narratives, ranges, and product stories, ensuring alignment across product types, colors, materials, and graphics.
• Oversee the full creative process; identify industry trends in color, materials, and graphics; and influence merchandising and assortment strategies.
• Translate complex business concepts and consumer insights into clear, compelling creative solutions.
• Take ownership of the creative vision and uphold the quality of output across all team members.
• Confidently pitch ideas and present the creative vision to stakeholders and communicate expectations clearly to the design team.
• Develop, and inspire a high-performing design team; demonstrate strong people leadership and talent ‑ building capabilities.
• Ensure all creative output aligns with brand identity and meets adidas’ qualitative standards.
• Lead multiple projects from concept to completion while meeting key deadlines.
• Demonstrate agility in managing unexpected projects, feedback cycles, and team-related variables.
• Collaborate with relevant functions to ensure alignment with brand and business strategic priorities.
• Champion innovation—ask the right questions, take informed risks, and advocate for bold ideas.
• Drive the identification and application of long-term and seasonal industry trends to advance innovative retail and product strategies.
• Guide and optimize the creative process to ensure final products are both brand-right and commercially viable.
• Develop and implement design and creation strategies for key initiatives, setting a high bar for excellence and consistency.
• Mentor and lead the design team to foster collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.
• Inspire designers to create meaningful, user-centered product experiences while also developing their own skills and career pathways.
• Ensure all output complies with Corporate Identity guidelines and legal requirements within the category.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fashion Design or equivalent professional experience.
• 8–10+ years of senior design experience, preferably within outdoor or performance brands, and a portfolio demonstrating successful direction of major projects.
• 5–7+ years of management experience with proven ability to lead teams toward strategic outcomes.
• Strong creative vision and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse design team.
• Deep understanding of Chinese consumers and market dynamics.
• Strong industry awareness and trend sensitivity, with the ability to translate insights into design solutions.
• Experience in collaboration projects.
• Ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements, build structured plans, and integrate feedback effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to clearly communicate creative concepts and solutions to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong collaborative mindset and the ability to synthesize abstract ideas into actionable design direction.
• Extensive supervisory experience, including leadership, delegation, and team development.
• Experience in performance apparel is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Casual dress code
• Company events