Senior Director, Global Sales, Basketball

Role overview

This position serves as the commercial lead for Nike Basketball’s global sales efforts. The role shapes and oversees the worldwide go-to-market approach, sales strategy, and execution for the business, while acting as a key connector between senior sales leadership, the cross-functional Nike Basketball organization, and regional sales teams. The role reports to the Vice President, Nike Cross Sport – Global Sales and is part of both the Global Basketball Leadership team and the Global Sport Sales Leadership team.

Key partnerships

You will collaborate closely with senior sales leaders, cross-functional partners within Nike Basketball, and geography-based sales organizations. Success in this role depends on keeping stakeholders informed, aligning teams around shared priorities, and influencing across functions and regions.

What the company is looking for

The ideal candidate brings a strong connection to basketball, hands-on experience with go-to-market planning, distribution strategy, and/or sales, along with a clear bias toward action. Strong communication and influencing capabilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Set the global commercial direction for Nike Basketball and guide the sales and go-to-market approach across markets.
• Build, apply, and monitor commercial strategies, business plans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Lead account engagement planning, marketplace planning, and go-to-market direction to support revenue, retail, and brand goals.
• Develop three-year, annual, and seasonal commercial plans with channel, signature athlete, and partner perspectives.
• Partner with the four Nike geographies to shape strategy and drive consistent execution.
• Work with territories, cities, and geography teams to broaden distribution and strengthen global marketplace coverage.
• Coordinate distribution planning and marketplace segmentation with regional sales partners.
• Own seasonal go-to-market readiness and help create the sales tools needed by geography teams.
• Plan and lead important partner engagements, including product meetings and summits, to deepen collaboration and improve execution.
• Ensure seasonal product priorities are delivered effectively across the global marketplace and brought to life through assortment and marketing.
• Work with merchandising, brand, marketplace development, and retail marketing teams to elevate key retail destinations and consumer experiences.
• Support and develop two direct reports while also providing sales mentorship across the wider organization.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of relevant work experience is required.
• Background in basketball or streetwear is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sales and retail KPIs is needed.
• Deep understanding of retail and in-store environments is required.
• Experience in marketplace management, go-to-market planning, and distribution strategy is required.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills are necessary.
• Ability to travel up to 40% may be required.
• A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is preferred, though a suitable mix of education, experience, and training will also be considered.

Additional information

The company provides accommodations during the interview process for candidates who need support due to a disability. Available accommodations include screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single-location in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable adjustments. Candidates can request assistance through the accommodation request process.