WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
The Lead Footwear Product Developer partners with PHK Product Development, PMO Product Engineering, Material Development and PCC (Product Creation Center), and closely work with PMO and factory functional teams to lead new creation projects from brief to ready for commercialization, with a focus on performance, meeting the design intent, optimizing consumer value and sustainability efforts.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a Trailblazer, an experienced Lead Footwear Product Developer, focusing on Energy product to join our Product Development team in Guangzhou, China, where you can grow, think, dream and create, bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game. You have led innovative, complex projects and models with great project management skills, effective teamwork, collaborative and influencing skills. This person blends deep technical knowledge with creative instincts, acting as the bridge between aesthetic vision and manufacturing reality. They can interpret lab data, navigate complex timelines, and evaluate risks before they become roadblocks. They lead with clarity, communicate with purpose, and thrive in environments where innovation meets execution.
Required Skills & Experience
- 5+ years of experience in product development.
- Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
- Proficient project manager with critical thinking & analytical skills towards problem solving.
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with an ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives.
- Strong influencing skills and ability to champion complex projects both cross functionally and vertically within the organization.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including ability to motivate and mentor other Developers in the function.
- Demonstrates advanced level understanding of Consumer Product and knowledge:
- of footwear pattern engineering, lasts, tooling or manufacturing processes.
- to identify & manage cost effective solutions.
- of materials, test methods, and properties and application.
- to proficiently read and interpret technical drawings, sketches and/or 3D digital files.
- of general footwear chemistry
- Experience collaborating with external partners, vendors, or suppliers
- Proven ability to mentor others and lead through influence
Key Responsibilities
- Manages the product creation process from initial concept through to commercialization and production for assigned models to lead to on time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specification, sustainability, performance, and profitability goals.
- Collaborates with PHK Sports team, PMO creation and functional teams and PCC and vendors to effectively execute on product development goals and deliverables
- Creates and revises appropriate documentation for assigned products; ensures all appropriate development documentation is maintained including product specs and prototype notes.
- Tracks and facilitates sampling and prototyping for products; identifies and addresses key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing and plans accordingly to deliver proven and tested product.
- Monitors and communicates progress and challenges throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements.
- Keeps abreast of market trends, category goals, new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process and engages appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.
- Serves the athlete* through in depth knowledge of what they need. Driving the team to decisions with consumer first mindset.
Nike Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nike and has not been reviewed or approved by Nike.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a company match is complemented by options such as a Mega Backdoor Roth and deferred compensation for eligible earners. Financial coaching and structured savings programs support long-term financial security.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a stock discount sits alongside broad-based equity vehicles like RSUs and non-qualified stock options. These avenues expand wealth-building opportunities beyond base pay.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave includes maternity and paternity time, recently expanded in the U.S. to 16 weeks and extended to part-time retail teammates. Additional supports include childcare assistance at select locations and family-building benefits such as fertility, surrogacy, and adoption.
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What We Do
At NIKE, Inc., we innovate to serve athletes*. Every teammate - from coder to creator - plays a role in making these athletes’ dreams real. Our tech, data, and digital teams push limits every day, building the future of sport and the tools that drive it. Here, curiosity is fuel. Innovation is the game plan. Different perspectives keep us on the offense. You’ll solve challenges worth tackling, grow fast and belong to a team that backs you to do the right thing. Bring your drive. Bring your bold. Let’s move the world, together. Take your first step at nike.com/careers * If you have a body, you’re an athlete.
Why Work With Us
At NIKE, Inc., your dedication fuels the future of sport. There is a sense of pride that comes from representing an iconic brand and shaping its future. Here, we treat every day as a new opportunity to push boundaries, ask tough questions and share whole-hearted convictions. We are a team – united by the belief that anything is possible.
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