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Lead Concept Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a visionary Lead Concept Industrial Designer to translate the Design Director's aesthetic vision into the form language and unified physical identity of our next-generation robotic ...

We are seeking a visionary Lead Concept Industrial Designer to translate the Design Director's aesthetic vision into the form language and unified physical identity of our next-generation robotic ...

Creative Concept Development * Develop creative concepts for seasonal windows, in-store animations ... Lead creative development for seasonal showrooms, including moodboards, prop concepts, finishes ...

$75 - $90/hr

You'll Need to HaveCreative Concept Development * Develop creative concepts for seasonal windows ... Lead creative development for seasonal showrooms, including moodboards, prop concepts, finishes ...

New

You'll Need to HaveCreative Concept Development * Develop creative concepts for seasonal windows ... Lead creative development for seasonal showrooms, including moodboards, prop concepts, finishes ...

Associate Concept Artist - Merch

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

Where the role fits You'll report to the Merchandise Manager and work alongside Concept and Graphic Designers at every level, from Entry-Level through Lead. Your approved artwork hands off to ...

Where the role fits You'll report to the Merchandise Manager and work alongside Concept and Graphic Designers at every level, from Entry-Level through Lead. Your approved artwork hands off to ...

Associate Concept Artist - Merch

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

Where the role fits You'll report to the Merchandise Manager and work alongside Concept and Graphic Designers at every level, from Entry-Level through Lead. Your approved artwork hands off to ...

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Lead Concept Designer information

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$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead concept designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead concept designer in the United States is $91,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead concept designer?

Lead Concept Designers are senior creative professionals who oversee the visual development of ideas for films, video games, products, or other projects. They guide a team of concept artists, set the artistic direction, and ensure that the visual concepts align with the project's vision and goals. Beyond creating original designs, they collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other departments to refine and realize concepts into cohesive visual assets. Their leadership and experience help maintain a consistent style and quality throughout the project.

How does a lead concept designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project's development?

A Lead Concept Designer works closely with teams such as art, design, and production to ensure that the project's visual direction aligns with its overall goals. They often facilitate brainstorming sessions, provide feedback to junior artists, and translate creative briefs into actionable visual concepts. Regular meetings with other department leads are common to maintain consistency and address any cross-functional challenges. This collaborative approach helps streamline the creative process and ensures that the final product meets the intended vision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead concept designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Concept Designer, you need advanced visual design skills, a strong grasp of art fundamentals, and experience in creating and directing concept art, typically supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Mastery of digital illustration tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, and 3D modeling software such as Blender or ZBrush is often required. Leadership, collaboration, and clear communication are essential soft skills for guiding creative teams and aligning with project goals. These competencies are vital for producing compelling visual concepts that drive the creative direction and success of games, films, or other media projects.

What is the difference between Lead Concept Designer vs Concept Artist?

AspectLead Concept DesignerConcept Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in art, design, or related field; experience in concept art and designUsually holds a degree or portfolio demonstrating artistic skills; may have similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with creative teams, directs concept development, oversees design processesCreates visual concepts, sketches, and illustrations based on briefs
Industry UsageUsed in game, film, and entertainment industries for leading design teamsCommonly employed as a visual creator within similar industries

The Lead Concept Designer oversees the entire concept development process, guiding teams and ensuring cohesive design direction. In contrast, the Concept Artist focuses on creating visual representations and illustrations based on project needs. Both roles require strong artistic skills and industry experience, but the Lead Concept Designer has additional responsibilities in leadership and project management.

More about Lead Concept Designer jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Concept Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Lead Designer, NSW Women's Concept Design

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Nike rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 276 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
In this role, this person will report to the Women's Sportswear Concept Design Director and collaborate across product design, consumer insights, merchandising, and brand marketing. The Lead Concept Designer translates insights into compelling creative directions and narratives that inspire teams across Nike and resonate with athletes and communities around the world.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
At Nike, Concept Design is where ideas become worlds. The team blends innovation, athlete insight, product design, and storytelling to imagine what's next, not only for Nike, but for sport and culture at large.
Nike is looking for a Lead Concept Designer to join the Women's Sportswear Concept Design Team. This individual moves seamlessly between visionary thinking and hands-on execution, shaping stories that define how the future looks, feels, and moves. A creative leader with a strong point of view, they bring concepts to life through exceptional design craft, influence, and collaboration.
WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
As Lead Concept Designer, you'll help define the creative vision for Nike's most impactful initiatives, building immersive worlds that connect athletes, innovation, culture, and community.
On any given day, you may create a new visual identity, lead or contribute to brainstorming sessions, art direct a photoshoot, craft compelling presentations, or partner with external agencies to bring a concept to life. You'll expand the boundaries of storytelling and creative expression to help Nike continue leading the future of sport.
  • To be considered, you must submit a creative design portfolio. Please provide website links or attach PDF files when you apply.
  • Bachelor's degree in Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
  • 5+ years of professional design experience across product, marketing, brand, or agency environments
  • Passion for athletes, sport, and culture, and for creating stories that meaningfully connect them
  • Expertise across art direction, motion, graphic, and spatial design
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Keynote (3D and Miro experience is a plus)
  • A portfolio that demonstrates exceptional storytelling, visual identity development, and design craft
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high standard of creative excellence
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, experience leading teammates, and the ability to manage external partners effectively
  • Curiosity and cultural fluency, with an understanding of design culture, youth movements, and emerging creative technologies

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.

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