NIKE, Inc

Lead Product Developer - North America Local Creation, Footwear

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

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of footwear product development experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or suitable combination of education and experience
  • Strong knowledge across footwear creation processes including lasts, uppers, and materials
  • Proven project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Effective communicator across functions and leadership levels
  • Ability to lead and manage complex initiatives

Responsibilities

  • Lead footwear product development projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Provide direction within cross-functional product teams
  • Drive innovation across footwear dimensions and divisions
  • Manage projects through all phases to meet critical deadlines
  • Balance design integrity with performance, cost, and sustainability
  • Develop footwear through collaborative color, material, and graphic execution

Benefits

  • Travel opportunities up to 15% as needed
  • Collaborative work environment with global and culturally diverse teams
  • Accommodations for interview processes due to disability or other needs
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

As part of the North America, Local Creation 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. This role requires a seasoned footwear development leader with 6+ years of experience, a strong technical foundation across the footwear creation process, and the ability to lead complex initiatives, influence senior stakeholders, and drive innovation through Nike's INLINE product creation model.

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
  • 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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive product and process excellence across assigned projects
  • Develop 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

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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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