NIKE, Inc

Senior Manager Apparel Materials & Trims Development, Local Creation

NIKE, Inc • $110K — $130K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, Materials Engineering, Product Development, or related field; equivalent experience accepted.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in apparel materials or product development.
  • Deep technical knowledge of yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and trim development processes.
  • Proven experience managing material development from concept to production readiness.
  • Strong understanding of material testing, performance standards, and risk management practices.
  • Experience collaborating with domestic and overseas vendors and manufacturing partners.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

  • Drive material and trim development from concept through commercialization with vendors and cross-functional teams.
  • Collaborate with Design, Product Management, and Technical Development to create innovative material solutions.
  • Lead material testing, validation, and performance evaluations for product excellence.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to elevate team capabilities.
  • Translate consumer insights and market trends into actionable material strategies.
  • Champion long-term material innovation initiatives and drive cross-functional alignment.
  • Continuously improve development processes for greater speed and quality.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape the future of apparel materials and innovation.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Access to emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
  • Contribution to sustainability and performance objectives.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

The Materials and Trims Development Senior Manager sits within the North America Local Creation team and partners closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Material Vendor partners throughout the product creation process.

This role leads material and trim development with assigned vendors, helps shape material sourcing strategies, strengthens vendor capabilities through training and partnership, and serves as a key connector across the product creation ecosystem. The position reports to the Director of Product Development, Local Creation NA.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike is looking for a forward-thinking materials leader who combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation. This individual thrives at the intersection of craft, performance, and product creation, bringing a strong understanding of textiles, trims, and material construction and how they ultimately come to life in the finished garment.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable driving day-to-day execution and shaping long-term material strategies. They are naturally curious, continuously exploring new technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and industry trends to unlock innovative solutions that elevate performance, quality, sustainability, and value.

This leader builds strong partnerships across the product creation ecosystem, influences through expertise, and helps teams navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. They anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and drive continuous improvement while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth.

  • 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 10 years directly relevant work experience
  • Working experience in apparel materials, textiles, trims, or product development within the apparel industry.
  • Deep technical knowledge of yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, and trim development processes.
  • Proven experience managing material development from concept through commercialization and production readiness.
  • Strong understanding of material testing, performance standards, quality requirements, and risk management practices.
  • Experience partnering with domestic and overseas vendors, sample rooms, ateliers, and manufacturing partners to develop and commercialize products.
  • Ability to evaluate material construction, performance, cost, and manufacturability to support informed decision-making.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence partners across Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, and Manufacturing.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience identifying process improvement opportunities and driving efficiency, speed, and quality throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills across internal and external partners.
  • A growth mindset with a passion for innovation, continuous learning, team development, and creating impactful material solutions.


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

You'll shape the future of apparel materials by exploring emerging trends, unlocking new technologies, and translating insights into commercialized material solutions that support Nike's performance, sustainability, and business objectives. You will have a unique opportunity to shape new ways of working and contribute to enterprise business initiatives.

  • Drive material and trim development from concept through commercialization, partnering closely with vendors, manufacturing partners, and cross-functional teammates.
  • Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, and Manufacturing teams to create elevated material and trim solutions.
  • Lead material testing, validation, risk assessment, and performance evaluations to ensure product excellence and readiness for commercialization.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship across the materials function, helping elevate team capability and knowledge.
  • Translate consumer insights, athlete needs, market trends, and emerging technologies into actionable material development strategies.
  • Champion long-term material innovation initiatives and influence cross-functional alignment to drive adoption and execution.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of material performance and construction, ensuring materials perform as intended when integrated into the final garment.
  • Identify potential material risks early and provide clear recommendations to drive informed decision-making throughout the development process.
  • Continuously improve ways of working by simplifying processes, reducing development lead times, and driving greater speed, efficiency, and quality across the development lifecycle.
  • Contribute to team culture by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, developing others, and bringing strategic thinking to everyday work.


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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