Lead Merchant, Energy Apparel at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon

About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and consumers through innovative products, groundbreaking marketing, and a relentless focus on performance. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike employs thousands of passionate professionals who blend creativity with data-driven insights to shape the future of sportswear and apparel. As a global powerhouse, Nike dominates the retail and athletic apparel sectors, consistently ranking at the top for brand value and market share. Joining Nike means contributing to a legacy of icons—from Air Jordan to modern performance gear—while working in a dynamic environment that values consumer obsession and bold innovation.

Role Overview

The Lead Merchant, Energy Apparel role at Nike is a pivotal leadership position within the Energy ecosystem, focusing on apparel across sport and sportswear categories. Based at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, you'll partner with cross-functional teams including Global Sport Merchants, Nike Direct, Product, Marketing, Planning, Operations, Marketplace, and Finance. Reporting to the Merchandise Director, Energy Apparel, you'll champion the consumer by building assortments, line plans, and strategies that deliver the right product at the right price, place, and time. This role thrives on retail pace, analytical rigor, and creative product sense, making it ideal for seasoned merchants ready to elevate Nike's Energy marketplace.

Key Responsibilities

As Lead Merchant, you'll drive business results through strategic merchandising. Key duties include:

• Developing consumer-led assortments and seasonal strategies for two line plans in the Energy marketplace, leveraging historical data, analytics, and real-time feedback.
• Leading product adoption, pricing, flow, segmentation, and mix to optimize performance across Sport and Sportswear.
• Collaborating with Global and Geo teams to amplify key product opportunities and set product lifecycles that balance innovation with consistency.
• Providing qualitative and quantitative consumer insights to Product Creation, Merchandising, and partners like Nike Direct and Marketing.
• Managing critical merchandising metrics through robust retail analysis, competitive intelligence, and SKU optimization.

Cross-Functional Impact

Expect to influence multi-season planning, build presentation decks, and foster honest relationships across Nike's ecosystem, ensuring strategies align with consumer trends and business goals.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven leaders with retail expertise. Essential qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field (or equivalent education/experience).
• 5+ years in merchandising, product creation, or retail, with demonstrated leadership.
• Advanced analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and expertise in retail/profit metrics.
• Experience in line planning, assortment strategy, multi-season planning, pricing, and marketplace dynamics.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration, multicultural communication, and storytelling abilities.
• Creativity, consumer passion, product sensibility, organization, and strategic execution skills.
• Comfort with physical tasks like moving samples during meetings.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We're looking for a strategic problem-solver with trend foresight, retail acumen across physical and digital channels, and the ability to translate data into actionable plans that drive Nike's Energy Apparel forward.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers an unmatched compensation package for top talent:

• Competitive base salary estimated at $140,000–$200,000, plus bonuses and equity.
• World-class health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Generous 401(k) matching, paid time off, and family leave.
• Exclusive employee discounts on Nike products and partners.
• On-site fitness centers, dining, and recreational facilities at Nike WHQ.
• Flexible hybrid work options and commuter benefits.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is fueled by performance and potential. As Lead Merchant, you'll gain exposure to senior leadership, global projects, and high-impact decisions. Many alumni advance to Director or VP roles in Merchandising, Product, or Retail Strategy. Nike invests in your growth through leadership training, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement, ensuring you evolve alongside the brand.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike's Energy ecosystem, partnering with influential retailers to disrupt markets and energize portfolios. Work at the intersection of art and science, where your consumer insights shape global assortments. In Beaverton, enjoy Oregon's natural beauty, vibrant tech scene, and proximity to Portland's culture. Nike's inclusive culture celebrates diversity, innovation, and winning together—perfect for ambitious merchants passionate about apparel and retail excellence.

Role FAQs

What is the Energy Apparel marketplace at Nike?

The Energy ecosystem services key retailers with disruptive apparel ideas across sport and sportswear, blending performance and lifestyle.

Is leadership experience required?

Yes, minimum 5 years in merchandising/retail with proven leadership to elevate team dynamics.

What tools will I use?

Advanced Excel for analytics, presentation software for decks, and Nike's proprietary retail platforms for planning and insights.

Is this role hybrid or onsite?

Primarily onsite at Nike WHQ in Beaverton, with flexibility for collaboration.

How does Nike support work-life balance?

Through generous PTO, wellness resources, and a culture that values output over hours.

This role offers a rare chance to lead at Nike—apply today to shape the future of Energy Apparel.