Lead Materials Developer - Training Footwear

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will collaborate with a broad network of partners across Product Creation, including Material Design, Product Management, Footwear Development, Engineering, Product Testing, Sourcing, Sustainability, Materials vendors, and manufacturing teams around the world. Success in this role requires strong communication, influence, and the ability to align teams around a shared vision.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike Training Footwear is entering an exciting phase of growth as we accelerate innovation, expand our product portfolio, and serve a broader range of athletes around the world. We are looking for a Lead Footwear Materials Developer to help shape the future of Training Footwear through material excellence, innovation, and strategic leadership.

This role is for a highly experienced materials professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong project leadership and cross-functional influence. You will lead material strategies that create distinctive athlete experiences while balancing performance, quality, sustainability, manufacturability, speed, and cost.

The ideal candidate is a curious problem solver, a collaborative leader, and a trusted partner who can navigate complexity, anticipate risks, and drive decisions that elevate both product and process. As a Lead Materials Developer, you will serve as a subject matter expert, mentor teammates, and help build the capabilities needed to support the future growth of the Training Footwear business.

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• Passion for innovation, athlete-focused product creation and continuous improvement
• 6+ years’ directly applicable work experience
• Deep understanding of various material manufacturing processes, testing methods and commercialization and the product creation process
• Proven ability to lead complex material development and drive results through cross-functional teams.
• Excellent Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Lab testing and ability to interpret results preferred
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Successful experiences mentoring or managing people
• Computer proficiency with working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook…job required systems.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will lead material development across a diverse portfolio of Training Footwear products Prime, Train and Recovery, from concept through commercialization.

Key responsibilities include:

• Define and drive material strategies that enable athlete-focused innovation and product distinction.
• Partner with Design, Product Management, Footwear Development, Engineering, Product Testing, PMO, PCC teams vendors and Manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life.
• Lead material selection, sourcing, validation, and commercialization to ensure material + product readiness and execution excellence.
• Drive material innovation opportunities that improve performance, sustainability, quality, and consumer value.
• Identify risks early and lead solutions across product creation, vendor and manufacturing partners.
• Influence material decisions that balance athlete needs, business objectives, and operational realities.
• Build strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturing teams to accelerate speed and improve outcomes.
• Keep abreast of market trends, new technology and consumer and training industry knowledges.
• Mentor and develop teammates while contributing to the growth of the Materials Development function.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.