Director Innovation Footwear

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike Beaverton seeks a Design Director for Footwear Innovation to lead a team of designers in developing industry-leading footwear concepts. You will mentor designers, collaborate with product managers, researchers, and engineers, and drive bold, performance-focused solutions with an eye for materiality, form, and cost.

You will translate consumer insights into compelling narratives, set design directions, and champion sustainability and manufacturability across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field.
• Strong background in footwear or product design.
• Leadership and mentorship experience preferred.
• Proficiency with visual communication tools (photoshop/illustrator).

Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor a design team focused on footwear innovation.
• Collaborate across project teams (PMs, researchers, engineers, marketing).
• Lead creation of industry-leading concepts from ideation to execution.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Keynote

PowerPoint

Acrobat

3D design software

Job description

We'relooking for aDesign Director Footwear Innovation tojoin theteam at Nike.TheDesign DirectorFootwearinnovationhas a passion forFootweardesign, workingin and leading ateam, and a Passionto createthe Futureof Sport.

WHOYOU’LL WORK WITH

You will collaborate and mentor within theInnovation design team(industrial designers, materials, color, computational, etc.), and work hand in hand with a project team of different professionals (product managers, developers, researchers, marketing,engineers, etc.). This role reportsdirectlytheVP Innovation Footwear Design.Youwill manageateam of 2 product designers, collaboratewith Materials, Digital designers, Color designersand buildand directlargerprojects teams.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As ourDesign Director FootwearInnovationyou will direct the creation of industry-leading footwearand innovationsbringing bold concepts to life. You will solve complex design challenges and create iconic products that inspire through both function and form.We value strong problem solving in providing athletes* with measurable benefits in performance that are matched with breathtaking iconic designs.You will research the Athlete andideateon future solutions for Performance footwear.The ideal candidate is a visionary designer withexperience designing performancefootwear,exceptionaltaste, a refined aesthetic point of view, and an unwavering commitment to craft. They bring a sharp eye for detail, proportion, materiality, and execution, consistently delivering elevated design solutions. Through strong creative leadership, they will develop compelling products that resonatewithNikesconsumer.With a deep understanding ofSport,cultural relevance, consumer insights, and emerging trends, this individual will continually challenge industry conventions and set a high standard for creativity, desirability, andInnovative thinking.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

In NikeInnovation,youwill workas the leader of a team thatdesignsand pushesthe possibilities ofthe humanpotential through footwear (and beyond). We expect you tolead andexplore new opportunities, take risks, and change the game! In your day to day, you will engage with project teammates on researching, gaining insights, problem solving around performance and manufacturing, working with athletes, and crafting a vast range of creative and appealing solutions, that are also sustainable and considerate of cost.As aleaderyou will help your teamto alsoparticipateand present the work in informal and formal reviews. As adesign leaderdesigner with deep knowledge and experience in footwear, you will be seen as a team leader and mentor for other designers.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design,arelated field or equivalent combination of education,experienceor training

• 8years’ experience designing and developing innovative footwear and other products

• Knowledge of form, color, materials, human factors, related to elevating the consumer experience

• Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into product solutions and narratives

• Experience in technical footwear design–Performancefootwearis a plus

• Strong Photoshop, Illustrator skills

• Must be able to buildaccurate2D technical drawings (tech packs)and have the knowledge to direct/coach the team to build them

• Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus

• 3D design programs experience is a plus

• Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills

• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials

• Knowledge and experience with sustainable design and manufacturing are a plus

• Experienced with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.

• Positive personality and energy

• Ability and passion to lead, mentor and onboard Design teammates

• Contribute and align to shared team culture and behaviors

• Catalyst to make connections with other Design groups

• Lead + drive partnerships beyond the Design function (Marketing, Engineering, Development, etc.)

• Motivated and hardworking about bringing others along

• Extraordinary teammate, and humble leader

• Collaborator with a skill in connecting the dots

• Speaks up with courage for self and the team

• Open minded, good listener, receptive to candid feedback and diverse points of view