Lead, Brand Creative, Japan

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, Brand Creative for Japan, who leads the creative discipline across the market. The Lead, Brand Creative supports this leader in driving priority campaigns for both Nike and Jordan Brand, with goal to amplifying brand impact, fueling consumer demand, and deepening long-term engagement.

The role manages agency partnerships and professional services to deliver locally relevant creative projects. Collaboration spans across Nike’s internal teams – including Brand Creative Peers, Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Retail Marketing, Integrated Media, Brand Planning & Operations, Sports Marketing, Communications, and Social & Community Impact – as well as Brand Marketing leaders, the Asia-Pacific Latin America (APLA) geography, and Global Brand Marketing teams across Nike. External partners include local creative agencies, collectives, athletes, influencers and community leaders who contribute to storytelling efforts.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike Japan seeks a dynamic Lead, Brand Creative to join our Japan marketing team. The ideal candidate is a visionary storyteller who thrives in collaborative environments and champions creativity to foster inclusive culture. A deep passion for sport, a relentless curiosity about the consumer, and strong belief in Nike’s brand purpose are essential to shaping the future of the brand in Japan.

This role demands exceptional creative acumen and leadership across disciplines including brand narrative, brand experience, art direction, production and agency management.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in creative strategy, creative planning, creative copywriting and/or graphic design.
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, advertising, marketing, fine arts, or a related field.
• A creative professional passionate about design and brand storytelling across consumer mediums. Has a strong, diverse portfolio and excels at collaborating with internal teams and external partners to deliver impactful brand experiences.
• Knowledge of narrative, messaging, layout, typography, illustration, identity, digital and experience production
• Strong visual and verbal communication skills in both English and Japanese
• Travel required for local production and experience activation, estimated at once per season or about 10-20% annually.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will lead the creative strategy and execution for Nike’s priority brand concepts in Japan. Your work will focus on localizing global narratives, driving impactful storytelling, and delivering brand experiences that resonate with consumers across media, retail, and digital platforms.

• Define and adapt creative concepts from global and geography teams to connect with local consumers.
• Lead the end-to-end creative process, ensuring alignment with Nike’s global brand standards.
• Develop high-impact ideas for brand media and omni-channel experiences using consumer insights.
• Collaborate with media, digital, and retail teams to deliver integrated brand campaigns.
• Manage relationships with local creative agencies and external partners.
• Present creative concepts to inspire cross-functional teams and drive alignment.
• Oversee campaign budgets and ensure timely, resource-efficient execution.