Director, Footwear Research Nike Sports Research Lab - Innovation

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Nike Sport Research Lab is a multidisciplinary team of researchers, innovators, and scientists who lead with science to make athletes* measurably better. The NSRL Footwear Research team conducts research that provides insights leading to innovative footwear and measurable benefits for athlete. This Director manages researchers and collaborates with Innovation Product Creation, Mechanical and Materials Testing, technical teams, stakeholders, and external research partners. You will report in to the Sr. Director, Applied Footwear Research. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike is looking for a versatile, creative leader with deep expertise in footwear science, research methods, and advanced data analysis tools, who will help shape product innovations across sport. You will lead a research team of technical biomechanics experts who turn complex research insights into clear strategies, validated assessments, and actionable product concepts. You will bring the scientific judgment to protect research integrity while responding to business and product creation needs. You will partner with Principal Researchers to lead interdisciplinary teams through aggressive timelines, align stakeholders around a shared vision, and communicate technical findings to diverse, nontechnical audiences. You will build strong relationships, set priorities, and create the conditions for researchers and partners to deliver their best work.

What you bring:

• Master’s degree in human movement science, biomechanics, kinesiology, engineering, biomedical engineering, ergonomics, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of footwear science and demonstrated ability to turn research insights into program or product concepts.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams, aligning stakeholders, and delivering projects or products on aggressive timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to balance research integrity with business needs and communicate complex scientific subjects to nontechnical audiences

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will lead a team of technical biomechanics experts, aligning work within collaborative research programs that turns scientific insight into better footwear. You will set priorities, align partners, and help build the research capabilities needed to advance high-performance product.

• You will manage and mentor a team of technical researchers, including setting business goals, advance skills and methodologies, and support career development.
• You will report to the Sr. Director, Footwear research, and help set strategy, communicate progress against initiatives, and serve as a link between cross-functional disciplines within the Sport Research Lab.
• In partnership with our Principal Researchers, you will manage testing and research requests and prioritize work where scientific insights can help teams tune concepts, components, and prototypes.
• You will oversee internal and external research that answers critical questions for product creation teams.

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 .

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.