Lead Designer, GFB Footwear Materials Design

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH You will be part of the Nike Global Football Footwear Design team, working at the intersection of performance innovation, material craftsmanship, and global sport culture. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional partners across Footwear Design, Color Design, Graphic Design, Digital Design, Product Management, Marketing, Development, Innovation, and Manufacturing Partners to deliver industry-leading product expression and innovation.

You will help drive the material design vision for Global Football Footwear, partnering closely with your senior manager and a Lead Material Designer to bring seasonal concepts and long-term innovation strategies to life.

While this role provides leadership and direction within the team, it does not include direct people management responsibilities. This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, Footwear Materials Design . WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We’re looking for an outstanding Lead Material Designer who combines creativity, technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for sport to help shape the future of Nike Football Footwear.

This designer brings a strong point of view on material innovation, athlete performance needs, and cultural relevance—paired with the ability to translate consumer insights into meaningful material solutions and compelling product narratives.

The ideal candidate is an independent leader who thrives on solving complex design challenges and elevating the consumer experience through materials that create both performance benefits and emotional connection. The ideal candidate: • Brings a portfolio demonstrating excellence in material design, textile design, footwear design, or related product design disciplines • Possesses 4+ years of relevant experience in material design, textile design, footwear design, or a related field • Demonstrates a deep understanding of football culture, athlete insights, and performance product creation • Has experience developing innovat