About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and consumers through innovative products that push the boundaries of performance and style. With a presence in every corner of the globe, Nike's Asia-Pacific & Latin America (APLA) division drives regional excellence, tailoring products to local markets via initiatives like Geo Express Lane (GEL). Headquartered in Seoul for this role, Nike Korea is at the forefront of fast-fashion footwear innovation, blending global standards with regional relevance.

Role Overview

As Senior Materials Developer, Footwear Express Lane Korea APLA, you'll spearhead the creation of cutting-edge materials for Nike's footwear lineup. Based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, this full-time position reports to the Sr. Director of Footwear for APLA GEL at Nike World Headquarters. You'll collaborate across Product Management, Design, Sourcing, and Operations to deliver materials that excel in aesthetics, performance, quality, cost, and sustainability. Join a dynamic team focused on rapid trend capture and consumer-centric executions.

Key Focus Areas

Your expertise will differentiate Nike products through materials innovation, ensuring on-time delivery for seasonal collections tailored to Korean and APLA markets.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you'll provide essential tools, palettes, and data for material selection, offering technical support to product creation teams. Partner with Material Design to infuse seasonal energy into palettes while balancing source base, pricing, performance, and sustainability. Drive adherence to product calendars, ensuring materials are developed, tested, and commercialized efficiently.

• Lead vendor relationships as the primary contact for category-specific issues like pricing and technical specs.
• Collaborate with Material Planning & Procurement to flag risks and resolve concerns proactively.
• Deliver training and best practices to product creation, innovation, and sourcing teams.
• Interpret design intent, propose alternatives, and analyze lab testing for end-use applications.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks a seasoned professional with 5+ years in footwear materials development, manufacturing, or engineering (2 extra years in lieu of a degree). You bring a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

• Expertise in interpreting lab results and proposing material innovations.
• Excellent intercultural communication and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook; PTC systems preferred.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, with willingness to travel up to 15%.
• Alignment with Nike values: authentic, accountable, collaborative, courageous.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers a premium employment package in Seoul, including competitive salary estimated at 80,000,000 - 120,000,000 KRW annually, reflecting retail/tech sector rates with upside buffer. Enjoy global collaboration, professional development, and perks like employee discounts, wellness programs, and flexible work options. Contribute to sustainability goals while advancing your career in a high-impact role.

Career Growth

This position is an entry to Nike's GEL organization, ideal for ambitious professionals seeking to challenge themselves. Grow through cross-functional partnerships, vendor management leadership, and innovation projects. Nike invests in your development with training, mentorship from Sr. Director level, and opportunities to influence APLA-wide strategies.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike's mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in APLA. In Seoul, leverage Korea's vibrant manufacturing ecosystem to create products that resonate locally. Work independently yet collaboratively, driving faster timelines for trend-responsive footwear. Nike's culture rewards courage and accountability, offering a platform for lasting impact.

Role FAQs

What is the Geo Express Lane (GEL) team?

GEL focuses on rapid product creation for specific geographies, amplifying trends and favorites with local relevance.

Is travel required?

Up to 15% for vendor visits and collaborations.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated 80M-120M KRW yearly, based on experience and market rates.

How does this role support sustainability?

Emphasis on sustainable materials balancing performance and environmental impact.

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