NIKE, Inc

Lead Designer, Running Footwear Materials Design Create & Expression

NIKE, Inc$90K — $120K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design or related fields such as Fashion, Product, or Textile Design
  • 4+ years of design experience in material or footwear design
  • Ability to translate consumer insights into product narratives
  • Experience in building 3D samples and mockups by hand
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • Strong organizational skills, self-motivated with leadership capabilities
  • Experience in collaboration with manufacturing partners for accurate material execution

Responsibilities

  • Develop highly technical material designs for running footwear products
  • Curate and refresh existing materials for seasonal collections
  • Manage the complete process from ideation to final tech pack creation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design execution
  • Engage with athletes to refine material applications and designs
  • Present design concepts effectively to both internal and external stakeholders
  • Navigate multiple projects efficiently under time constraints

Benefits

  • Innovative and creative work environment at a leading sports brand
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development
  • Collaboration with elite professionals across various design disciplines
  • Engagement in purpose-driven initiatives focusing on sustainability
  • Dynamic and challenging role with significant influence on product design
Full Job Description
WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

As the Lead Material Designer, Nike FW Material Design, You will collaborate closely with teams across Nike Footwear Industrial Design, Color Design, Graphic Design, Digital Design, Marketing, and Development to bring the seasonal creative direction to life through innovative Footwear Materials Design. This role reports directly to the Running Footwear Materials Design Director

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We're seeking an exceptional Lead Footwear Materials Designer who can blend expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to help shape the future of Nike Footwear Materials. This role sits within the Nike Running category.

The ideal candidate will be an independent leader, driving material design expressions as well as new creations. They will be a highly creative problem solver who refuses to settle for anything less than the best in design and material innovation - meeting the needs of athletes and consumers both on and off the field. This individual will focus on enhancing the consumer experience through materials that balance performance and trend relevance across a range of products, while fostering a deep emotional connection through compelling storytelling and narrative. A strong passion for advancing Nike's purpose-driven initiatives around sustainability and people is essential.

  • Bachelor's degree in Design, Art, or a related field such as Fashion Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, Accessory and Footwear Design, or Textile Design. (Alternatively, a Master's degree in one of these areas) Will Accept any suitable combination of education experience and training.
  • Ideally 4+ years of relevant design experience, demonstrating the ability to push the boundaries of material design and/or proven expertise in Textile Design or Footwear Design.
    • Ability to translate consumer insights into compelling narratives and product executions.
    • Strong capability to leverage manufacturing processes to elevate new ideas, techniques, and materials.
    • Experience building 3D samples and crafting mockups by hand.
    • Highly organized, self-sufficient, and motivated, with a passion for leading teams.
    • Proven experience collaborating and communicating with manufacturing partners to ensure design intent and material execution accuracy.
    • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
    • Ability to manage and contribute to multiple seasonal projects within tight timelines and limited resources.
    • A strong understanding of the Footwear Product Creation process is a plus.
    • An active, engaged contributor in both the creative process and cross-functional communication.
    • Confident in presenting and articulating design concepts to internal and external audiences.
    • Skilled in collaboration and cross-functional teamwork with key partners.
    • A deep passion for sport culture and the categories in which you design.


WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

Your day-to-day role will involve working across a diverse range of Running products within Create and Expression.

If this sounds like you, you'll be developing technically complex material designs using the latest innovations, while also curating and elevating existing materials for refresh and collection models. Your work will span the entire process, from concepting and ideation to finalizing tech packs, collaborating closely with manufacturing partners, and at times directly engaging with athletes. The daily responsibilities in this role are dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding, offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact at every stage of 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
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ

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