Lead Apparel Materials & Trim Developer, Local Creation

Nike • Beaverton, OR

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About The Position

This role sits within the North America Local Creation Materials & Trims team, supporting the broader Local Creation Apparel portfolio across multiple product dimensions and consumer opportunities. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Materials & Trims and partners closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and vendor partners to bring innovative material and trim solutions to market. As a key member of the product creation team, this role serves as a connector across functions, balancing design intent, technical feasibility, speed-to-market, and commercial viability. They will influence material strategies, drive execution with vendor partners, and help elevate the overall capability of the Local Creation materials ecosystem.

We're looking for a Lead Apparel Materials & Trims Developer who combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation, craft, and product creation. This individual brings a strong understanding of textile and trim development and can translate creative vision into scalable, commercially viable solutions that elevate consumer experiences. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, capable of leading complex material development initiatives while navigating the pace and agility required within Local Creation. They are naturally curious, continuously exploring material innovations, manufacturing capabilities, and emerging industry trends to identify opportunities that improve performance, quality, sustainability, and speed. They think holistically across the product creation process, understanding how materials, trims, construction, manufacturing, and commercialization work together to create exceptional product. They are trusted partners who build strong relationships, influence through expertise, communicate with clarity, and proactively solve problems. They embrace change, seek continuous improvement, and contribute positively to team culture while helping others grow and develop.

Requirements

• 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 6 years directly relevant work experience
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in apparel materials, trims, textile development, product development, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of fabrics, trims, yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, and garment manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience leading material and trim development from concept through commercialization and production readiness.
• Strong understanding of material performance requirements, testing methodologies, quality standards, and risk management practices.
• Experience working directly with textile mills, trim suppliers, manufacturers, and development partners to create and commercialize products.
• Ability to evaluate material construction, cost, performance, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations to support informed decision-making.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Experience partnering effectively across Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality functions.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations.
• A passion for innovation, continuous learning, and building new capabilities that enable speed, quality, and consumer relevance.
• Ability to travel as needed to support vendor engagement, material development, and commercialization activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with domestic and overseas vendors, sample rooms, ateliers, and manufacturing partners is preferred.
• Familiarity with digital product creation tools, material libraries, PLM systems, and 3D development tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead material and trim development across the North America Local Creation apparel portfolio, driving innovative solutions from concept through commercialization.
• Partner closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality teams throughout the product creation process.
• Evaluate emerging material technologies, supplier capabilities, and market trends to identify opportunities that elevate product performance and consumer relevance.
• Drive material and trim development timelines from concept through production readiness, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Lead material testing, validation, and risk assessment activities to ensure products meet performance, quality, and commercialization standards.
• Collaborate with vendor partners to develop, refine, and commercialize innovative material and trim solutions.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that support speed, innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
• Identify risks early and provide clear recommendations and mitigation plans to support informed decision-making.
• Continuously improve development processes, driving efficiency, simplification, and reduced lead times across the materials development lifecycle.
• Document and communicate material specifications, development status, risks, and opportunities with clarity and consistency.
• Mentor and support teammates through technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Contribute to the long-term materials strategy and innovation roadmap for North America Local Creation.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior