Footwear Materials Developer 2 - Local Creation GC

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a talented, passionate, and influential Footwear Materials Developer II with the technical expertise to elevate product excellence through materials. You combine strong material knowledge with creative problem-solving to translate design intent into scalable solutions. You thrive in fast-paced environments, build trust across cross-functional teams, and balance innovation, quality, aesthetics, cost, speed, and sustainability throughout the product creation process. In this role, you will help differentiate Nike’s products in the marketplace through materials excellence.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a member of the GC Local Creation Footwear Product Development team, you will lead the development and commercialization of material solutions that deliver on quality, cost, speed, sustainability, and aesthetic objectives, helping bring premium products to market on time and at scale.

·        Drive material development, testing, commercialization, and implementation from concept through production.

·        Partner with Local Creation Product, Design, and Development teams to identify risks, resolve material challenges, and enable informed decision-making throughout the development process.

• Collaborate with Design to build a material palette infused with seasonal energy, while balancing source base, price, performance, speed, and sustainability.
• Ensure adherence to the product creation calendar so seasonal materials are developed, tested, and commercialized on time.
• Lead vendor communication as the primary point of contact for material development, building a deep understanding of vendor capabilities and maintaining strong working partnerships.

·        Manage material data integrity in product creation systems, ensuring accurate sourcing, pricing, performance, sustainability, and feasibility information.

·        Evaluate material performance and manufacturing feedback to continuously improve product quality and execution.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

As a Footwear Materials Developer II for Greater China Local Creation, you will work closely with Product Management, Design, and Development teams to set seasonal material direction, deliver on time, and ensure material excellence for both consumers and athletes. You will also be a key point of contact for external vendors, helping bring premium footwear concepts to life.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor's degree in Apparel, Textiles, Business, or a related field, or two additional years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, which may include footwear materials development, manufacturing, or engineering
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and manage multiple priorities

• Ability to interpret design intent and propose alternative solutions
• Strong written, verbal, and intercultural communication skills
• Proactive mindset, with the ability to anticipate needs, conduct research, and analyze results
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Understanding of the product creation process preferred
• Experience with lab testing and the ability to interpret results preferred
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time