Designer, Kids APP

Job description

M4 Kids Designer JD Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization As a key member of the Creation Center Shanghai, this role is critical in driving both strategic long-term planning and agile short-term execution across the Kids apparel calendar. You will work with creativity and purpose, delivering progressive, culturally relevant design solutions tailored to the China market. By crafting compelling kids products that blend global innovation with local insights, you will elevate brand desirability and deepen Adidas’ connection with Chinese consumers.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Direction & Design Excellence Actively shape and develop compelling design concepts that push creative boundaries for key product initiatives. Deliver visually powerful storytelling and design assets that clearly communicate strategy and creative intent. Ensure visual identity and design language remain consistent and aligned with the brand’s creative direction at every stage. Champion originality and innovation in apparel design, inspiring excellence through breakthrough ideas and high-caliber execution.

Translate concepts into refined sketches and tech packs with precision, handing over complete, accurate design packages to the development team within deadlines. Drive strong cross-functional collaboration and communication to ensure shared creative ownership and in-house synergy. Project & Workflow Management Sharpen design workflow across multiple capsule collections, ensuring smooth and efficient project execution. Partner across milestones with marketing and development to steer product direction toward excellence.

Enforce disciplined design processes that uphold quality, timelines, and creative integrity. Maintain a strategic, priority-based approach to managing complex design initiatives across varying timelines and scopes. Monitor critical path and proactively address potential delays, ensuring flawless execution from concept to delivery. Innovation & Market Insights Conduct continuous trend research across sport culture and technology to ensure Adidas Sportswear stays culturally relevant and forward-thinking.

Benchmark against global and local kidswear competitors, providing critical market insights that inform creative strategy. Integrate new materials, technologies, and sustainable innovations into the design process to future-proof product offerings. Maintain a sharp understanding of the China kids consumer landscape, using those insights to influence design direction and product storytelling. Key Relationships Design Director / Senior Designers Product Marketing Product Development Sourcing & Materials Teams Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Exceptional design sensibility with a keen eye for form, function, and aesthetic balance.

Expert-level proficiency in industry-standard design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and etc.). Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) is a plus. Strong storytelling and communication skills—both visually and verbally. Deep understanding of product creation from concept through to production. Proven ability to work in fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities with agility.

Fluent in English (written and spoken); Mandarin proficiency is a plus.

Education & Experience

Degree in Fashion Design, Sportswear Design, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience. 3–5 years of proven design experience in the sporting goods, fashion, or sports industry. Demonstrated success in owning and driving design projects end-to-end, with tangible impact on brand and business. Experience working in or for the China market preferred. Passion for Kids sport, fashion, and innovation—and a strong belief in the Adidas brand mission.