Specialist, Merchant Sport & Equipment Pacific at Nike in Melbourne, Victoria

About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and communities through innovative products and inspiring stories. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike operates globally, with a strong presence in the Asia Pacific and Latin America (APLA) region. In Australia, Nike drives sport culture by delivering cutting-edge footwear, apparel, and equipment tailored to local consumers. As a Specialist, Merchant Sport & Equipment Pacific, you'll join a dynamic team shaping the future of sport in the Pacific marketplace. Nike's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and athlete obsession positions us at the forefront of the retail and sport industry.

Role Overview

The Specialist, Merchant Sport & Equipment Pacific role at Nike in Melbourne is pivotal in bridging consumer insights with merchandising strategies. Reporting into the Pacific Merchandising team, you'll act as the conduit between local consumers and APLA leaders at World HQ. Your focus: build seasonal assortments that align with growth targets, prioritize consumer needs, and deliver profitable outcomes. With a consumerist, curator, and connector mindset, you'll ensure Nike's Sport & Equipment portfolio resonates in Australia and New Zealand. This full-time position demands retail savvy, analytical prowess, and unbridled passion for sport.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive Nike's marketplace strategy through hands-on assortment planning and cross-functional partnerships. Key duties include:

• Driving the product lifecycle to balance innovation, newness, and consistency, always at the pace of the consumer.
• Leading with a consumer-first approach to craft assortments supporting seamless online and in-store experiences.
• Owning the Product Assortment Strategy for Sport & Equipment in Australia and New Zealand, targeting over 80% consumer-right adoption.
• Delivering critical consumer, assortment, and buying insights to Merchandising, Planning, and Integrated account teams for allocation and buy reviews.
• Collaborating with regional Merchandising on seasonal strategies, spotting growth opportunities via local insights.
• Supporting partner engagement pre- and post-SKO to ensure stakeholder alignment and readiness.

Embrace a seasonless mindset to maintain portfolio health, supporting corporate goals while addressing local business dynamics.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks candidates with proven retail acumen and analytical skills to thrive in this merchandising specialist role. Essential qualifications include:

• Deep understanding of retail environments, including digital channels, with a consumerist perspective.
• Strong analytical capabilities to translate marketplace data into actionable assortment strategies.
• Collaborative influencer able to build seasonal plans with cross-functional teams like Planning, Marketing, and Sales.
• Team-first mentality and passion for sport's transformative impact on individuals and communities.
• Experience in product strategy, consumer insights, or merchandising within retail/tech sectors preferred.

Australia-based candidates with APLA regional exposure will excel. Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field is advantageous.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers a premium compensation package for the Specialist role in Melbourne:

• Competitive base salary estimated at USD 65,000–95,000 equivalent, plus performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including mental wellness support.
• Generous employee discounts on Nike products and exclusive athletic event access.
• Flexible hybrid work model in modern Melbourne offices.
• Parental leave, fitness reimbursements, and sustainability initiatives.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is athlete-driven. This specialist role opens doors to senior merchandising positions, regional leadership in APLA, or global HQ opportunities. Nike University provides ongoing training in analytics, consumer trends, and leadership. High performers advance quickly, with mentorship from World HQ experts. Join a network fostering innovation and impact in sport retail.

Why Join Us

Work at Nike Melbourne to serve the Pacific athlete directly. Influence assortments that win marketplaces, collaborate with passionate teams, and contribute to Nike's mission: to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you love sport, possess retail expertise, and thrive in consumer-centric roles, this is your chance to elevate Nike's presence in Australia.

Role FAQs

What is the work location?

Primarily Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with hybrid flexibility and occasional regional travel.

Is prior merchandising experience required?

Retail acumen and analytical skills are key; merchandising experience strongly preferred.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated USD 65,000–95,000 yearly equivalent, based on market rates with buffer.

How does this role support Nike's strategy?

By ensuring consumer-right assortments aligned with APLA priorities and local growth.

What makes this role unique?

Seasonless mindset, direct consumer impact, and cross-geography collaboration at Nike scale.