Senior Material Designer, Core Footwear, Inc.

Senior Material Designer, Core Footwear, Nike Inc.

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As a Senior Designer in Core, this individual partners with other design functions—including industrial, color, material, and graphics—as well as cross‑functional teams such as athletes, manufacturing, material development, operations, merchandising, sustainability, and technology. They lead material design for footwear projects from concept through final approval. The Senior Designer also engages with the broader design community and reports directly to the Core Material Design Director.

Nike seeks a highly collaborative Senior Footwear Materials Designer with proven experience, strong problem‑solving skills, and creativity to advance Nike Footwear Materials. The ideal candidate excels at translating consumer insights into material palettes, demonstrates both broad and specialized material expertise, and maintains attention to detail while managing multiple projects. This role is part of the Nike Core Footwear team, which spans performance categories—including Running, Basketball, and Training—as well as Sportswear, such as Air Max, at entry‑level products.

The team also oversees the Nike Solar collection of sandals and slides.

• To be considered, you must submit a creative design portfolio. Please provide website links or attach pdf files when you apply.
• Bachelor’s degree in design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education and experience, and training.
• Ideally 5+ years of relevant design experience
• Creative experience (consumer/segment/dimensions)
• Digital design acumen (design‑based software a must: Creative Suite)
• Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus
• 3D design program experience is a plus
• Experience with presentation programs:
  Keynote, PowerPoint are a plus
• Positive, collaborative approach
• Ability to approach projects with passion and influence through teamwork
• Open‑minded, receptive to candid feedback and diverse perspectives
• Curious and adaptable to change
• Ability to see potential in every design challenge
• Understand project briefs and budgets, and innovate within parameters
• Deliver on timelines and deadlines with attention to detail and clear communication

As a Senior Designer on the Core Footwear team, you will collaborate with a highly creative group dedicated to advancing Nike’s core athlete offerings through innovative materials at accessible price points. This team works across a variety of products, giving you the opportunity to experience different product lines in the same role. You will develop distinctive material palettes for new products, innovate within the brief and budget, oversee the material journey throughout the product lifecycle, and lead seasonal and premium updates in partnership with color and graphic design teams.

Success in this role requires the ability to influence and innovate within a large, dynamic team, leveraging manufacturing processes to elevate material concepts. You will actively participate in the creative process, communicate design ideas effectively to diverse audiences using compelling tools, and foster strong cross‑functional relationships.

• Collaborating with material development and vendors to ensure all materials meet Nike standards and align with seasonal aesthetics and product performance
• Delivering clear and compelling material solutions for seasonal projects, consistent with creative direction and meeting the project brief
• Traveling regionally and internationally for consumer and athlete insights, as well as factory visits
• Keeping the athlete and consumer voice at the center of the work by considering feedback, wear tests, and reviews to improve the product at each stage—focusing on comfort, fit, and durability
• Upholding high standards for quality and craft, and making necessary adjustments to maintain these standards
• Preparing tech packs, material briefs, and CADs that clearly convey the material palette and product build, while making cost‑effective adjustments at each sample stage
• Championi…