Director, Footwear Research, Nike Sport Research Lab - Innovation

Leads the NSRL Footwear Research team, managing researchers and collaborating with Innovation Product Creation, Mechanical and Materials Testing, technical teams, stakeholders, and external research partners. It reports to the Sr. Director, Applied Footwear Research.

• Lead a team of technical biomechanics experts, aligning work within collaborative research programmes that turn scientific insight into better footwear.
• Set priorities, align partners, and help build the research capabilities needed to advance high-performance product.
• Manage and mentor a team of technical researchers, including setting business goals, advancing skills and methodologies, and supporting career development.
• Report to the Sr. Director, Footwear Research, help set strategy, communicate progress against initiatives, and serve as a link between cross-functional disciplines within the Sport Research Lab.
• Partner with Principal Researchers to lead interdisciplinary teams through aggressive timelines, align stakeholders around a shared vision, and communicate technical findings to diverse, non-technical audiences.
• Manage testing and research requests in partnership with Principal Researchers, prioritising work where scientific insights can help teams tune concepts, components, and prototypes.
• Oversee internal and external research that answers critical questions for product creation teams.
• Collaborate with Innovation Product Creation, Mechanical and Materials Testing, technical teams, stakeholders, and external research partners.
• Build strong relationships and create the conditions for researchers and partners to deliver their best work.

• Master's degree in human movement science, biomechanics, kinesiology, engineering, biomedical engineering, ergonomics, or a related field; any suitable combination of education, experience, and training will be accepted.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of footwear science and demonstrated ability to turn research insights into programme 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 non-technical audiences.
• Versatile, creative leadership with deep expertise in footwear science, research methods, and advanced data analysis tools.
• Scientific judgment to protect research integrity while responding to business and product creation needs.

The NSRL Footwear Research team conducts research that provides insights leading to innovative footwear and measurable benefits for athletes.