DIRECTOR, RUNNING VISUAL MERCHANDISING- NIKE GLOBAL RETAIL MARKETING

Job Description

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a curious, driven, and passionate leader with deep expertise in retail and a solid understanding of Visual Merchandising’s impact on the consumer experience. The ideal candidate demonstrates strategic thinking, collaborates effectively across functions, and communicates with creativity and influence.

You thrive in a fast-paced, positive, and collaborative team environment, excel in navigating ambiguity, and enjoy pioneering innovative approaches for your team.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

The Global VMS Director of Running sets the vision for premium, inspiring, and sport-led visual merchandising strategies that elevate Nike Running across Nike Direct and Marketplace partners worldwide. This leader translates the global VM strategy into Running-specific plans that deliver powerful product presentation and storytelling at scale.

You will drive seasonal alignment with leadership and key partners, represent Retail in seasonal Code Gates, and lead the creation of seasonal and seasonless tools, including Visual Merchandising Directives, Campaign Directives, Mannequin Styling aligned to Global Styling Excellence, and Running Playbooks. You will guide Retail Lab innovation builds, shaping prototype development for future-facing presentation strategies.

This role builds and connects a global Running VMS network, partners with merchandising and brand teams to ensure distinction and marketplace relevance, and mines industry insights to deliver aspirational consumer experiences. You will lead and develop a team of Managers, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, growth, and empowerment, setting the pace for excellence in Running visual merchandising.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

In this role, you will collaborate with a wide range of individuals, teams, and functions spanning both Global and Geography organizations. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Global Visual Merchandising, cultivating strong partnerships with Brand Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Marketing, and Design. Close collaboration with Geography teams will be essential, as you provide key functional guidance and gain insights into relevant marketplace and competitive trends.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Demonstrated passion for the art and science of visual merchandising and styling within the running category.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• Extensive experience developing and driving inspiring consumer journeys and compelling product presentation strategies.
• Proven leadership in building, coaching, and mentoring teams, with a focus on fostering growth and empowerment among diverse talent.
• Strong visual merchandising background, with prior experience in large-scale vertical retail environments and a track record of executing at pace and scale for running initiatives.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership to influence strategic decisions and drive transformative change across the marketplace.
• Agile and adaptable mindset, with the ability to respond effectively to evolving business needs and strategic direction in running.
• 10+ years of experience in retail marketing, visual merchandising, product merchandising, or directly relatable experience.
• Deep understanding of the current retail landscape, trends, and innovations relevant to running and sport-led environments.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, coupled with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across teams.
• Confident presentation and advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Outlook calendar, Excel, PowerPoint, Keynote, and strong familiarity with Mac platforms.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 4-6 times per year.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.