NIKE, Inc

Lead, Pre-Order, Product Creation Operations

NIKE, Inc$100K — $130K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years in Product Creation, Development, Supply Chain, or Operations
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
  • Experience leading complex projects with a focus on timelines
  • Strong understanding of product creation processes and factory capabilities
  • Proven ability in relationship management and disciplined execution
  • Successful track record of influencing cross-functional teams
  • Excellent communication skills for simplifying complexity and escalating risks

Responsibilities

  • Own Pre-Order operational process and timeline management
  • Drive project management by building timelines and tracking milestones
  • Translate product creation milestones into Pre-Order-specific requirements
  • Partner with various teams to align readiness and timing
  • Manage Initial PO readiness aligning with production plans
  • Serve as a connection point across Product Creation and Supply Chain
  • Drive clear accountability across stakeholders to meet timelines
  • Identify and close process gaps to improve execution efficiency

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage and wellness programs
  • Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
  • Employee discounts on Nike products
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
Full Job Description
Who You'll Work With

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Pre-Order, Product Creation, this role serves as the Lead for Pre-Order Product Creation Operations, partnering across Product Creation, Supply Chain, Planning, and Operations.

This role collaborates closely with Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories teams, including Design, Development, Sport PLMs, Merchandising, Planning, DCM, DEC, and external factory partners. It operates as an individual contributor role with a focus on operational leadership, timeline management, and disciplined execution across Pre-Order initiatives.

Who We Are Looking For

Nike is looking for a highly organized, solutions-driven operator who excels at the intersection of product creation and operational execution.

The ideal candidate brings experience translating product creation inputs into clear timelines, structured checkpoints, and PO execution readiness. They demonstrate confidence navigating cross-functional partnerships (Sport teams, PLMs, Development, DCM) while driving precision across timelines, tools, and operational milestones.

They operate effectively in ambiguous environments, influence without formal authority, and hold teams accountable to key Pre-Order milestones that differ from standard product creation processes.
  • A minimum of 6 years of experience in Product Creation, Development, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Product Creation, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training
  • Experience leading complex projects or operational workstreams, with a strong focus on timeline and milestone management
  • Strong understanding of product creation processes, materials, factory capabilities, and production planning
  • Demonstrated success balancing relationship management with disciplined execution and accountability
  • Proven track record influencing cross-functional teams and driving alignment across diverse stakeholders
  • Strong communication skills with a consistent ability to simplify complexity, escalate risks, and drive clear decisions


What You'll Work On

As the Lead, Pre-Order, Product Creation Operations, you will own end-to-end operational readiness and project management across Pre-Order initiatives in Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories.

In this role, you will:
  • Own the Pre-Order operational process and timeline, ensuring each project moves from kickoff through manufacturing readiness against clearly defined milestones
  • Drive day-to-day project management, including building timelines, tracking milestones, identifying risks, managing dependencies, and escalating issues with clarity
  • Translate product creation milestones into Pre-Order-specific requirements so teams understand what differs from standard processes and align to required checkpoints
  • Partner closely with DCM, DEC, Sport PLMs, and Development teams to align readiness, capacity, and timing-bridging product creation inputs to operational execution
  • Own Initial PO readiness and timing, aligning to materials strategy, factory capacity, and production plans; support post-launch PO updates as needed
  • Serve as the central connector across Product Creation, Supply Chain, Planning, and factory partners, balancing strong relationships with disciplined execution
  • Drive clarity and accountability across stakeholders, ensuring inputs are delivered on time and decisions keep timelines on track
  • Identify process gaps and scale tools, templates, and checklists that improve Pre-Order execution and consistency


Impact

This role powers Nike's Pre-Order offense-turning strategy into action and ensuring product is delivered to market in a way that is aligned, timely, and consumer-right. Through strong execution and cross-functional partnership, this role helps scale Pre-Order into a consistent and reliable marketplace capability.

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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