Sporting Fashion & Goods
Lead Materials Developer - Energy Apparel
Mid Level
Pahokee, United Statesin office
Full time
Job description
About the Role
This role sits within the Global Apparel Materials Development Team (GLAM) and works day-to-day within a division of the Nike Energy team bringing the best of Nike for athletes. It serves as a strategic materials advisor, exploring apparel materials and trims from trend through technological advancements to deliver the highest level of athlete experience, from one-of-one concepts to commercial solutions. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional partners in Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Colour, Sourcing, and Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive material development from concepts through to commercialised solutions, partnering closely with vendors and manufacturing teams.
- Explore concepts in apparel materials and trims from trend through technological advancements, supporting athlete experience from one-of-one to commercial solutions.
- Serve as a strategic materials advisor, providing technical expertise and turning insights into innovative solutions aligned to product goals.
- Maintain a clear understanding of material performance when integrated into garment form.
- Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Colour Development, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to finalise materials and trims.
- Lead material testing, risk assessment, tracking, and validation to ensure product excellence.
- Mentor teammates and provide technical guidance across the materials function.
- Translate trends, athlete insights, and emerging technologies into actionable development strategies.
- Champion material innovation initiatives.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, or a related field; any suitable combination of education, experience, and training will be accepted.
- 5+ years of apparel industry experience, or 7+ years in lieu of a degree.
- Expertise across yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques.
- Experience developing or sourcing trims.
- Proficiency working with vendors from concept through production.
Preferred Skills
- Forward-thinking materials expertise that blends deep technical mastery with relentless curiosity.
- Strategic vision with the ability to sharpen processes, drive work forward, and elevate collaboration across the product creation ecosystem.
- Ability to anticipate risks and challenge what is possible.
- Agile problem-solving and comfort working in the unknown.
- Partnership mindset that builds trust across teams and empowers others with clarity, insight, and technical materials leadership.
The Application Process
A number of accommodations are offered to complete the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, an accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. Candidates who need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability during the application process can complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.
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