Lead Footwear Materials Developer - Jordan Brand (Multiple Openings)

Nike • Beaverton, OR

4d

About The Position

Jordan Brand Footwear is seeking a highly experienced materials professional to lead material development across a broad range of Jordan products, from concept through commercialization. The role combines deep technical expertise with project leadership and cross-functional influence to shape material strategies and deliver distinctive, athlete-focused products. The position balances performance, quality, sustainability, manufacturability, speed, and cost while helping advance innovation and Jordan Footwear’s product capabilities.

The Lead Materials Developer serves as a subject matter expert, mentors teammates, and works with partners across Product Creation, including Material Design, Product Management, Footwear Development, Engineering, Product Testing, Sourcing, Sustainability, materials vendors, and manufacturing teams worldwide. The role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills, the ability to align teams around a shared vision, and sound judgment in navigating complexity, identifying risks, and driving decisions. Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or a related field; suitable combinations of education, experience, and training will be accepted.
• 6+ years of directly applicable work experience.
• Deep understanding of material manufacturing processes, testing methods, commercialization, and the product creation process.
• Proven ability to lead complex material development and drive results through cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, interpret design intent, and offer alternative solutions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Successful experience mentoring or managing people.
• Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and job-required systems.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
• Passion for innovation, athlete-focused product creation, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Lab testing experience and ability to interpret results.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive material strategies that enable athlete-focused innovation and product distinction.
• Partner with Design, Product Management, Footwear Development, Engineering, Product Testing, PMO, PCC teams, vendors, and manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life.
• Lead material selection, sourcing, validation, and commercialization to ensure material and product readiness and execution excellence.
• Drive material innovation opportunities that improve performance, sustainability, quality, and consumer value.
• Identify risks early and lead solutions across product creation, vendor, and manufacturing partners.
• Influence material decisions that balance athlete needs, business objectives, and operational realities.
• Build strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturing teams to accelerate speed and improve outcomes.
• Keep abreast of market trends, new technology, and consumer and training industry knowledge.
• Mentor and develop teammates while contributing to the growth of the Materials Development function.

What This Job Offers

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