Lead Designer, NSW SB Footwear Materials Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, NSW SB Footwear Materials Design Company: Nike Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Operations / Product Development Date Posted: 2026-01-07 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and development of innovative footwear materials for the Nike SB (Skateboarding) division, focusing on both NSW (Nike Sportswear) and lifestyle segments.
• Drive product excellence by collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, research, marketing, sustainability, and costing teams to bring future Nike SB Footwear products to life.
• Leverage consumer insights and cultural understanding to create materials that are performance-relevant, trend-aligned, and forge an emotional connection with consumers through compelling narratives and storytelling.
• Push the boundaries of sustainable footwear material design, integrating eco-conscious practices and materials into the product creation process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a highly creative and culture-driven segment of Nike, requiring not only design expertise but also a deep understanding of skateboarding culture and its associated narratives. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management indicates a strong need for operational efficiency and project oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop a diverse range of material designs for Nike SB Footwear, influencing new model technologies and seasonal updates for classic and iconic products.
• Collaborate with external partners and the internal design community (industrial designers, materials, color, graphics, computational designers) to foster innovation and storytelling.
• Partner closely with engineers, researchers, scientists, marketing, testing, sustainability, and costing teams to ensure product feasibility, performance, and market readiness.
• Create detailed 2D technical drawings (tech packs) for material specifications, ensuring accuracy for manufacturing.
• Lead and mentor other design teammates, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment.
• Contribute to and align with shared team culture and behaviors, acting as a catalyst for connections within the broader Design groups.
• Translate consumer knowledge and insights into actionable product solutions and compelling narratives that resonate with the skateboarding community.
• Drive the integration of sustainable design principles and manufacturing processes into material development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core focus is design, the responsibilities strongly imply a need for project management and operational process execution, particularly in coordinating with multiple departments and external partners. The emphasis on "product excellence" and "bringing the vision to life" suggests accountability for project timelines and deliverables.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a related field. A suitable combination of education, experience, and training will also be considered.

Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience in designing and developing innovative footwear and other products.
• Deeper knowledge and experience within and adjacent to the culture of Skateboarding.
• Experience in working on technical footwear design, with solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional creative problem-solving abilities to deliver best-in-class design and materials solutions.
• Strong understanding of performance and trend relevance in footwear materials.
• Proficiency in translating consumer insights into product solutions and narratives.
• Advanced skills in Photoshop and Illustrator for design visualization and technical documentation.
• Experienced with presentation programs such as Keynote, PowerPoint, and Acrobat for communicating design concepts.
• Ability to build accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs).
• Passion and ability to lead, mentor, and onboard Design teammates.
• Strong collaboration skills to foster connections with other Design groups and cross-functional teams.
• Open-mindedness, strong listening skills, and receptiveness to candid feedback and diverse viewpoints.
• Courage to speak up for oneself and the team.

Preferred Skills:

• Cobbling and prototyping skills.
• Knowledge and experience with sustainable design and manufacturing.
• Experience working with external partners and managing design collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5-7 years' experience" aligns with a mid-to-senior level designer role. The emphasis on "culture of Skateboarding" and "consumer knowledge and insights" suggests a need for strong qualitative research interpretation skills, which are operational in nature when translating findings into product.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of footwear material design projects, demonstrating innovation and problem-solving capabilities.
• Include examples of technical drawings (tech packs) and 2D renderings created using Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Present case studies that highlight the translation of consumer insights and cultural trends into material solutions.
• Feature projects that demonstrate an understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in material development.
• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners in the product development lifecycle.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and documenting material specifications and tech packs.
• Illustrate an understanding of manufacturing processes and material properties relevant to footwear production.
• Showcase a systematic approach to integrating sustainability into the design and development workflow.
• Provide examples of how consumer insights were integrated into the design process through documented research and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the detailed responsibilities related to technical drawings, collaboration, and consumer insights imply that candidates should be prepared to showcase these aspects in their portfolio. The "Lead" title suggests an expectation of leadership in process execution and mentorship.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Designer role with 5-7 years of experience in the footwear industry in Beaverton, Oregon, the estimated annual salary range is $110,000 - $150,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of materials design within a high-profile brand like Nike, the specific focus on the SB category, and the cost of living in the Portland metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Employee discounts on Nike products.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education in design and materials innovation.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Access to Nike's state-of-the-art facilities and innovation labs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week.
• While core hours are expected for team collaboration and project alignment, there may be flexibility for focused design work, especially given the creative nature of the role. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on similar roles in the Beaverton, OR area and the specified experience level. Nike is known for offering competitive compensation and benefits packages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear and Apparel. Nike is a global leader in the sports industry, renowned for innovation, design, and marketing.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: 1964. Nike has a long-standing history of innovation and brand building, fostering a culture that values creativity, performance, and pushing boundaries.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Design Director, indicating a clear leadership hierarchy within the design function.
• The Lead Materials Designer will be part of a large project team comprising professionals from engineering, research, science, marketing, testing, sustainability, and costing.
• Collaboration extends to the broader design community, including external partners, industrial designers, materials specialists, colorists, graphic designers, and computational designers.
• The role involves mentoring other designers, contributing to team culture, and fostering connections across design groups.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Leveraging consumer knowledge and insights to inform material design and product solutions.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Working hand-in-hand with cross-functional teams to execute the product creation process efficiently and effectively.
• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, the drive for innovation and product excellence implies an ongoing effort to streamline processes and adopt efficient design methodologies.

Company Website: https://www.nike.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture is deeply rooted in innovation, athlete focus, and pushing performance limits. The SB division specifically emphasizes community, authenticity, and creative expression within the skateboarding subculture. The "culture-driven partnership space" highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and cultural fluency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Team Lead. This role is positioned as a senior designer with leadership responsibilities, responsible for guiding material design strategy and mentoring junior team members. It bridges individual contribution with team influence.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Design Director. This signifies a direct line of communication to senior leadership and participation in strategic design discussions. The role also involves close collaboration with a wide array of cross-functional departments, requiring strong stakeholder management.

Operations Impact: The Lead Materials Designer's work directly impacts product innovation, consumer experience, brand perception, and sustainability goals. By creating cutting-edge materials, they influence product performance, aesthetic appeal, and the emotional connection consumers have with Nike SB products, ultimately contributing to revenue and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and footwear construction through specialized projects and training.
• Leadership Development: Progress into a Design Director role or specialize in materials innovation leadership, managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain comprehensive understanding of the entire product creation lifecycle, from initial concept to final production, enhancing operational acumen.
• Brand Influence: Contribute to the strategic direction of Nike SB Footwear materials, shaping the future of the brand's offerings in a key market segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title and emphasis on mentoring and cross-functional leadership point towards a role with significant growth potential. Career progression likely involves moving into management or highly specialized technical leadership roles within Nike's extensive product creation ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Headquarters / Innovation Hub. Beaverton, Oregon, is Nike's global headquarters, featuring state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Office Location(s): Beaverton, Oregon. This is Nike's primary campus, offering a comprehensive work environment with amenities and resources aimed at supporting employee well-being and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction among designers, engineers, researchers, and other professionals, facilitating fluid communication and idea exchange.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced design software (Photoshop, Illustrator), presentation tools, and potentially specialized material innovation labs, prototyping equipment, and digital design platforms.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct collaboration with a large, diverse project team, fostering a dynamic and iterative design process. Regular design reviews and brainstorming sessions are expected.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with core hours for team synchronization.
• Given the creative and project-driven nature of the role, flexibility may be offered for focused work, with the understanding that deadlines and collaborative needs will sometimes necessitate extended hours or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's campus is known for its expansive and amenity-rich environment, designed to support a culture of innovation and employee well-being. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for this design-centric role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience, design aesthetic, and technical skills.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to a panel of hiring managers and key stakeholders, showcasing their material design process, problem-solving approach, and execution capabilities. This is a critical step for evaluating design thinking and communication skills.
• Skills-Based Assessments: May include practical design exercises, technical drawing tests, or case studies related to material innovation or sustainable design.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Questions will focus on leadership, mentorship, collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, and alignment with Nike's values and the SB culture.
• Final Round: Discussions with senior leadership to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your expertise in footwear materials, sustainable design, and your ability to translate consumer insights into tangible product solutions.
• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, from initial research and concept generation through to technical development and collaboration with manufacturing. Include sketches, renderings, material swatches (if digital, describe them), and tech packs.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs, such as improvements in performance, sustainability metrics, or consumer engagement.
• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, creativity, and understanding of the target consumer and culture.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly show how you worked with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to material innovation challenges, sustainability goals, or navigating complex cross-functional dynamics.
• Skateboarding Culture: Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of skateboarding culture, its trends, and its consumer base.
• Sustainability Focus: Articulate your knowledge of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes and how they can be integrated into Nike SB products.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Prepare examples of how you have led projects or mentored junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on portfolio and the mention of a "large project team" suggest that interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only design but also effectively communicate their process and collaborate within a complex organizational structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: Essential for creating material renderings, digital mock-ups, and graphic applications.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for creating accurate 2D technical drawings, tech packs, and vector-based graphics.
• Presentation Software:
  • Keynote: Widely used at Apple and often favored for its design capabilities in presentations.
  • PowerPoint: Standard presentation software for business communications.
  • Acrobat: For managing and sharing technical documentation and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed, understanding of data visualization tools may be beneficial for presenting consumer insights and performance metrics. Experience with tools that track material performance or sustainability impact could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this design role, as the focus is on creative development and technical design. However, familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com) used by cross-functional teams might be advantageous for understanding workflow and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement for visual design roles. The mention of presentation tools underscores the importance of communication in articulating design concepts to a broad audience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Athlete-Centricity: All design decisions are ultimately driven by the needs and performance of athletes, including skateboarders.
• Innovation: A constant drive to push boundaries, explore new materials, technologies, and design approaches.
• Sustainability: A growing commitment to environmental responsibility, integrating eco-friendly materials and processes into product development.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.
• Creativity & Storytelling: Valuing original ideas, unique perspectives, and the ability to communicate a compelling narrative through design.
• Cultural Fluency: Deep respect for and understanding of the communities and cultures that Nike serves, particularly skateboarding.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with engineering, marketing, research, and other departments is paramount to ensure successful product development from concept to launch.
• Design Community Engagement: Active participation and contribution to the broader design community within Nike, sharing knowledge and fostering collective growth.
• Mentorship & Peer Support: A culture where senior designers mentor junior colleagues, and team members support each other's development and project success.
• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback as a means to elevate design quality and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nike's culture emphasizes a blend of high performance, innovation, and a strong sense of community. For the SB division, authenticity within the skateboarding subculture is a critical element of this culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation and Scalability: Developing groundbreaking materials that are also feasible for mass production and cost-effective.
• Integrating Sustainability: Effectively incorporating sustainable materials and processes without compromising performance or aesthetics, especially within the demanding skateboarding context.
• Navigating Cross-Functional Dependencies: Ensuring alignment and smooth workflow across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring and anticipating shifts in material technology, design aesthetics, and consumer preferences within skateboarding and the broader footwear market.
• Maintaining Cultural Authenticity: Ensuring designs resonate authentically with the skateboarding community without appearing inauthentic or commercially driven.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Material Science & Innovation: Access to Nike's advanced research and development resources for continuous learning in material science, new technologies, and sustainable alternatives.
• Design Leadership: Opportunities to develop leadership skills through mentoring, project management, and strategic input into the design direction of Nike SB.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops related to footwear design, materials, and sustainability.
• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gaining broader experience by working with various specialized design and technical teams within Nike.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complex operational landscape of a global footwear company, requiring strategic thinking and problem-solving skills beyond pure design. The growth opportunities are tied to both technical specialization and leadership development within Nike's structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk us through a challenging footwear material design project from concept to execution. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, collaboration, and problem-solving methodology.)
• Consumer Insight Translation: "How do you translate consumer insights and cultural trends into tangible material design solutions? Provide an example related to skateboarding culture." (Demonstrate your ability to connect research with creative output.)
• Sustainability Integration: "Describe your approach to integrating sustainable materials and practices into footwear design. What are some innovative sustainable materials you've explored or would consider for Nike SB?" (Showcase your knowledge and commitment to sustainability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Nike SB Culture: "What does Nike SB mean to you, and how would your design philosophy align with its culture and values?" (Research SB's history, key athletes, and community impact.)
• Collaboration & Mentorship: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or mentor a junior designer. What was your approach and the result?" (Highlight your interpersonal and leadership skills.)
• Innovation & Trends: "How do you stay current with footwear material innovations and design trends, particularly within the skateboarding space?" (Show your proactive approach to learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a cohesive story about each project, emphasizing the problem, your solution, and the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals, including sketches, renderings, technical drawings, and examples of material applications. Clearly label and explain each element.
• Process Documentation: Detail your design process, including research, ideation, prototyping (even if conceptual), and collaboration.
• Quantifiable Results: If possible, present metrics related to performance, sustainability, or consumer feedback.
• SB Relevance: Ensure a selection of projects directly relates to footwear and ideally showcases an understanding of the SB aesthetic or performance needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical design skills and the ability to operate effectively within Nike's collaborative and innovation-driven environment. Demonstrating a deep understanding of skateboarding culture is crucial for this specific role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Nike Careers portal via the provided job URL.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your most relevant projects, focusing on footwear materials design, technical drawings (tech packs), sustainable design initiatives, and case studies that demonstrate consumer insight translation. Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable and visually compelling.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in footwear design, materials development, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, technical drawing capabilities, sustainable design, and any experience related to skateboarding culture or mentorship. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear communication, storytelling, and articulating your design process and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and sustainability.
• Research Nike SB: Understand the brand's history, values, key innovations, and its specific connection to skateboarding culture. Prepare to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with Nike SB's ethos.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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