Lead Materials Developer - Training Footwear

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 a