Lead Materials Developer - Training Footwear

Nike Inc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike Inc. is seeking a Lead Materials Developer to drive advanced material strategies for Training Footwear from concept through commercialization. You will lead cross‑functional teams across Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing to turn concepts into differentiated, high‑performance products.

The ideal candidate brings deep materials expertise, 6+ years of experience, and a track record mentoring teammates, with strong analytical and communication skills and travel up to 15%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, or related field; will accept related experience.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Materials development

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Communication

Manufacturing processes

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will collaborate with a broad network of partners across Product Creation, including Material Design, Product Management, Footwear Development, Engineering, Product Testing, Sourcing, Sustainability, Materials vendors, and manufacturing teams around the world. Success in this role requires strong communication, influence, and the ability to align teams around a shared vision.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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.

• 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
• Lab testing and ability to interpret results preferred
• 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.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will lead material development across a diverse portfolio of Training Footwear products Prime, Train and Recovery, from concept through commercialization.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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.

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.