Lead, Footwear Product Development, Local Creation GC

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Lead Footwear Product Developer to play a critical role on the Great China, Local Creation Footwear Product Creation Team, driving product excellence for the Great China consumer in a fast-paced, close-to-market environment. As a Lead Footwear Product Developer, this person will provide project and process direction, within the project team, at an accelerated pace and close to market. The ideal candidate needs to have demonstrated project management, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a product development environment. In addition, we are looking for people that are self-starters, quick learners, clear communicators, great teammates, and exhibit strong influence power. As a member of the Great China Local Creation team, this person will effectively build relationships, lead, and interact with teams across Nike Footwear Product Creation and with teams comprising of diverse cultures across various geographies. 

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a Lead Footwear Product Developer for Great China Local Creation, you will lead footwear projects across Men’s, Women’s, and Kids, bringing ideas from 2D design and tech packs into 3D, Go-To-Market samples. This role drives product and process excellence in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, ensuring projects deliver against design intent, performance, cost, sustainability, and timing expectations while meeting the needs of the Great China consumer and Local Creation business strategy.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

As part of the Great China Local Creation, this role partners closely with key footwear functions including Color and Material Design, Material Development, Product Management, PCC/PMO, Global Product Teams, Sourcing, Planning, and Operations. You will navigate Nike’s matrixed environment to ensure alignment with Global Footwear Development standards and product excellence. Serving as the primary liaison between PCC/PMO partners and the WHQ product team, you will drive clear, accurate communication throughout the product development process and report to the Footwear Development Director for Great China, Local Creation.

Key Responsibilities & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training

• 5+ years of Footwear Product Creation experience

• Lead footwear product development projects at an accelerated pace, close to market

• Provide project and process direction within cross-functional product creation teams

• Drive innovation and product initiatives across footwear dimensions and divisions

• Leverage deep technical knowledge across lasts, uppers, materials, tooling, costing, testing, and manufacturing

• Exhibit strong project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Communicate effectively across functions, geographies, and leadership levels

• Demonstrate resilient leadership with high tolerance for ambiguity and changing priorities

• Strong understanding of the creation process, including production planning, forecasting, and scheduling to deliver product quality in a timely, efficient, and effective way. 

• Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution to deliver product excellence

• Travel up to 15% as needed