Lead Materials Developer, Footwear Innovation

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike Training Footwear is seeking a Lead Materials Developer to 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 across a diverse portfolio from concept through commercialization, collaborate with Design, Product Management, Engineering, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years' directly applicable work experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and influence.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or related field

Tools

MS Office

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Nike Training Footwear is seeking a Lead Materials Developer to 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 across a diverse portfolio from concept through commercialization, collaborate with Design, Product Management, Engineering, and