Manager, Apparel Material & Trim Development, Local Creation GC

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Nike is searching for a forward‑thinking materials expert who blends deep technical mastery with relentless curiosity. This person thrives at the intersection of craft and innovation—someone who understands how yarns, trims, and textiles come alive in motion and can translate trends and technologies into performance‑driven solutions. They bring strategic vision, sharpen processes, and elevate collaboration across the product creation ecosystem. They see around corners, anticipate risks, and challenge what’s possible. Rooted in partnership, they build trust across teams and empower others with clarity, insight, and technical leadership. This role demands an agile problem‑solver who can balance long‑term strategy with the pace of seasonal execution—always pushing to raise the bar for athletes and for the business.

• 10+ years of apparel industry experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel, or a related field.
• Expertise across yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques
• Proficiency working with vendors from concept through production. Experience working with domestic vendors/sample rooms/ateliers

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You’ll shape the future of apparel materials—exploring trends, unlocking technologies, and turning insights into commercialized solutions aligned to sustainability and performance goals.

• Drive material development from concept to commercialization, partnering closely with vendors and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Colorist, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to build elevated material palettes.
• 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 long‑term material innovation initiatives and influence cross‑functional alignment.
• Maintain a clear understanding of material performance when integrated into garment form.
• Manage potential risks and drive the concept fabric direction, with professional suggestions.
• Way of working, innovation and shortening the development leadtime with lean process under expertized experiences.
• Strategically thinking of daily working and develop others and build up team culture.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Materials Developer manager sits within the Great China Local Creation team. They collaborate with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, and Manufacturing. This role influences cross‑functional partners while mentoring within the materials organization.

As the person who manage material development including fabric and trims with assigned vendors, could lead the material sourcing strategy, vendor training and connection, will report to APP development Director.