Lead Designer, Running Footwear Materials Design Create & Expression

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It’s a place where passionate individuals come together to create the future of sport. We are unapologetic about who we are and what we’re after—bringing innovation and inspiration to every athlete* in the world. We look for athletes who can push boundaries, elevate our potential and continue leading us to greatness. The next tastemakers, playmakers, risk takers and glue players. Are you game?

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

As the Lead Material Designer, Nike FW Material Design, You will collaborate closely with teams across Nike Footwear Industrial Design, Color Design, Graphic Design, Digital Design, Marketing, and Development to bring the seasonal creative direction to life through innovative Footwear Materials Design. This role reports directly to the Running Footwear Materials Design Director

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking an exceptional Lead Footwear Materials Designer who can blend expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to help shape the future of Nike Footwear Materials. This role sits within the Nike Running category.

The ideal candidate will be an independent leader, driving material design expressions as well as new creations. They will be a highly creative problem solver who refuses to settle for anything less than the best in design and material innovation - meeting the needs of athletes and consumers both on and off the field. This individual will focus on enhancing the consumer experience through materials that balance performance and trend relevance across a range of products, while fostering a deep emotional connection through compelling storytelling and narrative. A strong passion for advancing Nike’s purpose-driven initiatives around sustainability and people is essential.

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Art, or a related field such as Fashion Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, Accessory and Footwear Design, or Textile Design. (Alternatively, a Master’s degree in one of these areas) Will Accept any suitable combination of education experience and training.

• Ideally 4+ years of relevant design experience, demonstrating the ability to push the boundaries of material design and/or proven expertise in Textile Design or Footwear Design.
  • Ability to translate consumer insights into compelling narratives and product executions.
  • Strong capability to leverage manufacturing processes to elevate new ideas, techniques, and materials.
  • Experience building 3D samples and crafting mockups by hand.
  • Highly organized, self-sufficient, and motivated, with a passion for leading teams.
  • Proven experience collaborating and communicating with manufacturing partners to ensure design intent and material execution accuracy.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
  • Ability to manage and contribute to multiple seasonal projects within tight timelines and limited resources.
  • A strong understanding of the Footwear Product Creation process is a plus.
  • An active, engaged contributor in both the creative process and cross-functional communication.
  • Confident in presenting and articulating design concepts to internal and external audiences.
  • Skilled in collaboration and cross-functional teamwork with key partners.
  • A deep passion for sport culture and the categories in which you design.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

Your day-to-day role will involve working across a diverse range of Running products within Create and Expression.

If this sounds like you, you’ll be developing technically complex material designs using the latest innovations, while also curating and elevating existing materials for refresh and collection models. Your work will span the entire process, from concepting and ideation to finalizing tech packs, collaborating closely with manufacturing partners, and at times directly engaging with athletes. The daily responsibilities in this role are dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding, offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact at every stage of creation.

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.