Senior Designer ACC

Job Title: Senior Designer – ACC (M3)
Location: Shanghai (CCS)
Department: Design (COE)

Purpose & Impact on Organization

As a Senior Designer for ACC at Adidas Creation Center Shanghai, you will lead the creation and development of innovative, trend-driven, and performance-oriented designs that embody the Adidas brand identity. You will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional product solutions that align with Chinese consumer needs and strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Creative Development:
  • Design and develop market-leading ACC (bags, headwear and socks.) in alignment with seasonal concepts, brand DNA, and industry trends.
  • Create sketches, prototypes, and detailed technical packages to convey design intent.
  • Drive innovation by exploring unconventional approaches to design challenges, ensuring products stand out in competitive markets.
  • Incorporate cultural and regional influences into designs to resonate with Chinese consumers while maintaining global brand appeal.
  • Develop designs that combine aesthetics with advanced performance features, enhancing functionality for diverse use cases.
• Collaboration & Cross-functional Work:
  • Partner with Product Manager and Development teams to translate briefs into commercially viable designs.
  • Collaborate with Materials and Color Teams to ensure the integration of innovative materials and colorways.
  • Always maintain a consistent design language across regions.
• Consumer-Centric Focus:
  • Leverage consumer insights to inform design decisions, ensuring relevance to target audiences.
  • Continuously explore and apply trends in lifestyle, performance, and sustainability to design concepts.
• Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Provide guidance and feedback to junior designers, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.
  • Drive initiatives that elevate team skills and design capabilities.

Key Relationships

• Product Manager
• Development Teams
• Materials Teams (MDI)
• External vendors and suppliers

Requirements

• Experience:
  • Minimum 5–8 years of experience in accessories design, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative and commercially successful products.
  • Proven track record of working within a global sports brand or local sports brand.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Strong expertise in 2D design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop).
  • Exceptional ability to create compelling visuals and presentations.
  • Deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and material innovation.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
  • Familiarity with sustainability practices and trends in the design industry.
• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Industrial Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, or a related field.

Competencies

• Creative Vision: Ability to conceptualize and deliver groundbreaking designs.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns designs with brand and business strategies.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across teams and stakeholders.
• Leadership: Inspires and develops others to achieve creative excellence.
• Motivation: Demonstrates a deep passion for design and a keen sensitivity to evolving market trends.

AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE'S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR.

• COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need..
• OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow-through.
• INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things.
• TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset.
• INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company's standards.
• RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all.

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.