Lead Product Developer, Footwear Local Creation NA

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It’s a place where passionate individuals come together to create the future of sport. We are unapologetic about who we are and what we’re after—bringing innovation and inspiration to every athlete* in the world. We look for athletes who can push boundaries, elevate our potential and continue leading us to greatness. The next tastemakers, playmakers, risk takers and glue players. Are you game?

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $113,900.00 in our lowest geographic market to $232,400.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

As part of the North America, Global Express Lane team, this role partners closely with key footwear functions including Color and Material Design, Material Development, Product Management, PCC/PMO, Global Product Teams, Sourcing, Planning, and Operations. You will navigate Nike’s matrixed environment to ensure alignment with Global Footwear Development standards and product excellence. Serving as the primary liaison between PCC/PMO partners and the WHQ product team, you will drive clear, accurate communication throughout the product development process and report to the Footwear Development Director for North America, Local Creation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Lead Footwear Product Developer to play a critical role on the North America, Local Creation Footwear Product Creation Team, driving product excellence for the North America consumer in a fast-paced, close-to-market environment. As a Lead Footwear Product Developer, this person will provide project and process direction, within the project team, at an accelerated pace and close to market. The ideal candidate needs to have demonstrated project management, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a product development environment. In addition, we are looking for people that are self-starters, quick learners, clear communicators, great teammates, and exhibit strong leadership skills. As a member of the North America Local Creation team, this person will effectively build relationships, lead, and interact with teams across Nike Footwear Product Creation and with teams comprising of diverse cultures across various geographies. 

Key Responsibilities & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
• 5+ years of Footwear Product Creation experience
• Lead footwear product development projects at an accelerated pace, close to market
• Provide project and process direction within cross-functional product creation teams
• Drive innovation and product initiatives across footwear dimensions and divisions
• Leverage deep technical knowledge across lasts, uppers, materials, tooling, costing, testing, and manufacturing
• Exhibit strong project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Communicate effectively across functions, geographies, and leadership levels
• Demonstrate resilient leadership with high tolerance for ambiguity and changing priorities
• Build strong partnerships across global, culturally diverse teams
• Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution to deliver product excellence
• Travel up to 15% as needed

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a Lead Footwear Product Developer for North America Local Creation, you will lead footwear projects across Men’s, Women’s, and Kids, bringing ideas from 2D design and tech packs into 3D, market-ready samples. This role drives product and process excellence in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, ensuring projects deliver against design intent, performance, cost, sustainability, and timing expectations while meeting the needs of the North America consumer and Local Creation business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive product and process excellence across assigned projects
• Develop Nike footwear through color, material, and graphic execution
• Solve construction and manufacturing challenges proactively
• Manage projects through all phases to meet critical dates
• Balance design, performance, cost, sustainability, and product integrity
• Partner cross-functionally to deliver consumer-relevant product

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.