NIKE, Inc

Lead Apparel Materials & Trim Developer, Local Creation

NIKE, Inc • $100K — $120K *
Beaverton, OR 97007In-Person
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, Materials Engineering, Product Development, or related field; equivalent experience accepted.
  • Minimum of 6 years in apparel materials, trims, or textile development.
  • Deep knowledge of fabrics, trims, and garment manufacturing processes.
  • Proven experience leading material and trim development from concept to production.
  • Strong understanding of material performance, testing methodologies, and quality standards.
  • Experience collaborating with textile mills and suppliers for product commercialization.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and commercialization of apparel materials and trims for the Local Creation portfolio.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams throughout the product creation process.
  • Evaluate emerging material technologies and market trends to enhance product performance.
  • Drive timelines from concept to production readiness, ensuring milestones are met.
  • Lead material testing and validation to meet performance and quality standards.
  • Collaborate with vendors to develop innovative material solutions.
  • Build strong supplier relationships to support innovation and operational excellence.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
  • Collaborative team culture that encourages innovation.
  • Access to cutting-edge material technologies and resources.
  • Potential for travel to engage with vendors and support development activities.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

This role sits within the North America Local Creation Materials & Trims team, supporting the broader Local Creation Apparel portfolio across multiple product dimensions and consumer opportunities. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Materials & Trims and partners closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and vendor partners to bring innovative material and trim solutions to market.

As a key member of the product creation team, this role serves as a connector across functions, balancing design intent, technical feasibility, speed-to-market, and commercial viability. They will influence material strategies, drive execution with vendor partners, and help elevate the overall capability of the Local Creation materials ecosystem.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for a Lead Apparel Materials & Trims Developer who combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation, craft, and product creation. This individual brings a strong understanding of textile and trim development and can translate creative vision into scalable, commercially viable solutions that elevate consumer experiences.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, capable of leading complex material development initiatives while navigating the pace and agility required within Local Creation. They are naturally curious, continuously exploring material innovations, manufacturing capabilities, and emerging industry trends to identify opportunities that improve performance, quality, sustainability, and speed.

They think holistically across the product creation process, understanding how materials, trims, construction, manufacturing, and commercialization work together to create exceptional product. They are trusted partners who build strong relationships, influence through expertise, communicate with clarity, and proactively solve problems. They embrace change, seek continuous improvement, and contribute positively to team culture while helping others grow and develop.

  • Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, Materials Engineering, Product Development or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
  • A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experienceMinimum of 6 years of relevant experience in apparel materials, trims, textile development, product development, or a related field.
  • Deep knowledge of fabrics, trims, yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, and garment manufacturing processes.
  • Proven experience leading material and trim development from concept through commercialization and production readiness.
  • Strong understanding of material performance requirements, testing methodologies, quality standards, and risk management practices.
  • Experience working directly with textile mills, trim suppliers, manufacturers, and development partners to create and commercialize products.
  • Ability to evaluate material construction, cost, performance, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations to support informed decision-making.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
  • Experience partnering effectively across Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across a diverse group of internal and external partners.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations.
  • A passion for innovation, continuous learning, and building new capabilities that enable speed, quality, and consumer relevance.
  • Experience working with domestic and overseas vendors, sample rooms, ateliers, and manufacturing partners is preferred.
  • Familiarity with digital product creation tools, material libraries, PLM systems, and 3D development tools is a plus.
  • Ability to travel as needed to support vendor engagement, material development, and commercialization activities.


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

You'll lead material and trim development across the North America Local Creation apparel portfolio, driving innovative solutions from concept through commercialization. Working closely with cross-functional teams and vendor partners, you'll help bring consumer-right product to market with speed, quality, and precision.

  • Lead development and commercialization of apparel materials and trims across assigned product opportunities within the Local Creation portfolio.
  • Partner closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality teams throughout the product creation process.
  • Evaluate emerging material technologies, supplier capabilities, and market trends to identify opportunities that elevate product performance and consumer relevance.
  • Drive material and trim development timelines from concept through production readiness, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
  • Lead material testing, validation, and risk assessment activities to ensure products meet performance, quality, and commercialization standards.
  • Collaborate with vendor partners to develop, refine, and commercialize innovative material and trim solutions.
  • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that support speed, innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
  • Identify risks early and provide clear recommendations and mitigation plans to support informed decision-making.
  • Continuously improve development processes, driving efficiency, simplification, and reduced lead times across the materials development lifecycle.
  • Document and communicate material specifications, development status, risks, and opportunities with clarity and consistency.
  • Mentor and support teammates through technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Contribute to the long-term materials strategy and innovation roadmap for North America Local Creation.

About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ
NKE
* Ladders Estimates

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