NIKE, Inc

Lead Materials Developer - Training Footwear

NIKE, Inc • $110K — $130K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or related field.
  • Passion for innovation and athlete-centered product creation.
  • 6+ years of relevant work experience in materials development.
  • Deep understanding of material manufacturing processes, testing methods, and commercialization.
  • Proven track record in leading complex material development projects.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive material strategies for athlete-focused innovation.
  • Collaborate with various teams to transform concepts into tangible products.
  • Lead material selection and ensure execution excellence through validation and commercialization.
  • Identify material innovation opportunities to enhance performance and sustainability.
  • Proactively identify risks and implement solutions across product creation processes.
  • Influence material decisions aligned with athlete needs and business objectives.
  • Mentor and develop team members while supporting the growth of the Materials Development function.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with diverse teams.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and materials innovation.
  • Potential for personal and professional growth through mentorship.
  • Chance to impact a growing portfolio of Training Footwear products.
  • Engagement in a company focused on sustainability and performance.
Full Job Description
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.

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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