Lead Materials Developer - Training Footwear

Nike • Beaverton, OR

5d

About The Position

Nike Training Footwear is entering an exciting phase of growth as we accelerate innovation, expand our product portfolio, and serve a broader range of athletes around the world. We are looking for a Lead Footwear Materials Developer to help shape the future of Training Footwear through material excellence, innovation, and strategic leadership. This role is for a highly experienced materials professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong project leadership and cross-functional influence. You will lead material strategies that create distinctive athlete experiences while balancing performance, quality, sustainability, manufacturability, speed, and cost. The ideal candidate is a curious problem solver, a collaborative leader, and a trusted partner who can navigate complexity, anticipate risks, and drive decisions that elevate both product and process. As a Lead Materials Developer, you will serve as a subject matter expert, mentor teammates, and help build the capabilities needed to support the future growth of the Training Footwear business.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• Passion for innovation, athlete-focused product creation and continuous improvement
• 6+ years’ directly applicable work experience
• Deep understanding of various material manufacturing processes, testing methods and commercialization and the product creation process
• Proven ability to lead complex material development and drive results through cross-functional teams.
• Excellent 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 experiences mentoring or managing people
• Computer proficiency with working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook…job required systems.

Nice To Haves

• Lab testing and ability to interpret results preferred

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 + 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 knowledges.
• 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