NIKE, Inc

SENIOR MATERIAL DESIGNER, CORE FOOTWEAR, NIKE INC.

NIKE, Inc$90K — $120K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of relevant design experience in footwear materials
  • Bachelor’s degree in design or related field
  • Strong proficiency in design software (Creative Suite)
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail
  • Experience in consumer insights and translating them into material designs

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet Nike's material standards
  • Deliver material solutions consistent with creative direction for seasonal projects
  • Travel for insights from athletes and factory visits
  • Incorporate consumer feedback to enhance product comfort and durability
  • Prepare technical packs and CADs for material palettes and production

Benefits

  • Opportunity to collaborate with creative teams across various product lines
  • Access to a diverse and inclusive work environment
  • Potential for career growth through relationship building and collaboration
  • Opportunities for travel to enhance design process
  • Focus on innovation within sustainability goals
Full Job Description

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

As a Senior Designer in Core, this individual partners with other design functions—including industrial, color, material, and graphics—as well as cross-functional teams such as athletes, manufacturing, material development, operations, merchandising, sustainability, and technology. They lead material design for footwear projects from concept through final approval. The Senior Designer also engages with the broader design community and reports directly to the Core Material Design Director.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a Senior Designer on the Core Footwear team, you will collaborate with a highly creative group dedicated to advancing Nike’s core athlete offerings through innovative materials at accessible price points. This team works across a variety of products, giving you the opportunity to experience different product lines in the same role. You will develop distinctive material palettes for new products, innovate within the brief and budget, oversee the material journey throughout the product lifecycle, and lead seasonal and premium updates in partnership with color and graphic design teams.

Success in this role requires the ability to influence and innovate within a large, dynamic team, leveraging manufacturing processes to elevate material concepts. You will actively participate in the creative process, communicate design ideas effectively to diverse audiences using compelling tools, and foster strong cross-functional relationships.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with material development and vendors to ensure all materials meet Nike standards and align with seasonal aesthetics and product performance
  • Delivering clear and compelling material solutions for seasonal projects, consistent with creative direction and meeting the project brief
  • Traveling regionally and internationally for consumer and athlete insights, as well as factory visits
  • Keeping the athlete and consumer voice at the center of the work by considering feedback, wear tests, and reviews to improve the product at each stage—focusing on comfort, fit, and durability
  • Upholding high standards for quality and craft, and making necessary adjustments to maintain these standards
  • Preparing tech packs, material briefs, and CADs that clearly convey the material palette and product build, while making cost-effective adjustments at each sample stage
  • Championing clarity in documentation, presentations, and reporting to support informed decision-making, while following internal processes and sustainability goals

Relationship building and collaboration are essential for success and career growth at Nike.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike seeks a highly collaborative Senior Footwear Materials Designer with proven experience, strong problem-solving skills, and creativity to advance Nike Footwear Materials. The ideal candidate excels at translating consumer insights into material palettes, demonstrates both broad and specialized material expertise, and maintains attention to detail while managing multiple projects. This role is part of the Nike Core Footwear team, which spans performance categories—including Running, Basketball, and Training—as well as Sportswear, such as Air Max, at entry-level products. The team also oversees the Nike Solar collection of sandals and slides.

  • To be considered, you must submit a creative design portfolio. Please provide website links or attach pdf files when you apply.
  • Bachelor’s degree in design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education and experience, and training.
  • Ideally 5+ years of relevant design experience
  • Creative experience (consumer/segment/dimensions)
  • Digital design acumen (design-based software a must: Creative Suite)
  • Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus
  • 3D design program experience is a plus
  • Experience with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint are a plus
  • Positive, collaborative approach
  • Ability to approach projects with passion and influence through teamwork
  • Open-minded, receptive to candid feedback and diverse perspectives
  • Curious and adaptable to change
  • Ability to see potential in every design challenge
  • Understand project briefs and budgets, and innovate within parameters
  • Deliver on timelines and deadlines with attention to detail and clear communication

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at NIKE, Inc

More Retail & Consumer Goods Jobs

Find similar SENIOR MATERIAL DESIGNER, CORE FOOTWEAR, NIKE INC. jobs: