SENIOR MATERIAL DESIGNER, CORE FOOTWEAR, NIKE INC.

Who You’ll Work With

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.

Who We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education and experience, and training.
• 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.
• The 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.

What You’ll Work On

• 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.
• 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.
• Championing clarity in documentation, presentations, and reporting to support informed decision-making, while following internal processes and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Championing clarity in documentation, presentations, and reporting to support informed decision-making, while following internal processes and sustainability goals.