SENIOR DIRECTOR, APPLIED FOOTWEAR RESEARCH, NSRL GRADE 55

PHK, Beaverton, OR

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world's best athletes*. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Nike, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

Innovation is oxygen for NIKE, Inc., and the company depends on its talented, global workforce to breathe originality and curiosity into everything they do. Nike’s Advanced Innovation team strives for lighter, faster, bigger, smarter, smaller, more efficient, more sustainable and more personal. They imagine, research, analyze and invent the next industry-changing technology to advance athletic performance. In roles that span research, design, materials and manufacturing, the Advanced Innovation team looks to the future and focuses on making the seemingly impossible, possible.

The Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) is a multidisciplinary team of researchers, innovators, and scientists who lead with science to make athletes* measurably better. We deliver validated insights and state-of-the-art capabilities to drive the future of Nike products and services. As diverse as our athletes* are, our evidence-based solutions meet the constantly evolving demands of sport and life. We apply scientific methods and research results to drive new concepts and platforms across multiple innovation teams.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a hands-on, innovative, highly experienced footwear research leader to inspire a multidisciplinary team of researchers who are focused on conducting basic, and applied, sport science and technology research, aimed at delivering game changing innovations to make our athletes* measurably better. You will obsess human potential and empower teams to optimize performance and deliverables.

You will help shape and align the strategic vision of the research teams with the broader innovation goals for the NSRL. You will champion the role of science and research, while working across multiple functional units to ensure maximum impact to the business and the brand.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will provide input toward the development, management, and execution of short and near-term strategies critical to the organization’s success and work to integrate brand, category (in-line & advanced), advanced research, development and design plans.  You will also anticipate future scientific research, methodological opportunities, trends and vulnerabilities, develop recommendations and execute high-impact opportunities to position the organization appropriately.

Finally, you will provide input toward the development, management, and execution of short and near-term strategies critical to the organization’s success. 

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

Reporting to the Chief Science Officer, you will advocate for NSRL performance research, and actively disseminate new ideas, insights, and concepts across multiple business groups, garnering support and buy-in.  You will market concepts and new ideas internally and externally through Nike PR group.

You will also initiate, and lead, meetings with appropriate individuals, teams, or outside companies during various phases of the research/innovation process to review, evaluate, update and drive the decision-making process leading to the completion of the research agenda.

Finally, you will direct the application of scientific insights across NSRL and AR&D functional teams serving as consultant/resource to ensure scientific integrity during the “hand-off.”

WHAT YOU BRING

You will have a proven track record of successfully leading, inspiring, and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of scientists to deliver impactful results to the business. You will be able to navigate a highly matrixed organization and deliver complex solutions to multiple business units. You will have advanced skills and albitites in conducting research and applying scientific insights, specifically related to sport science, performance, and injury. You will also possess a strong ability to apply scientific insights to influence innovative product and display an understanding the connectivity between research, innovation, and business.

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in human movement science (biomechanics, physiology, kinesiology), engineering, biomedical engineering, ergonomics, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training

• 10+ years of experience in a scientific setting

• 7+ years in a management and/or leadership role

• A proven track record leading a multidisciplinary team towards common goals in an industry setting

• Experience in a sport science laboratory, with commonly used tools and analytical methods, is preferred

• Experience in applying scientific insight to tangible product solutions is a plus

• Strong commercial acumen with an ability to define value, quantify ROI and identify high impact products

• A proven track record of applying scientific knowledge and insights to products or services

• Experience as a catalyst for new product innovation

• Skilled and experienced in communicating scientific research, insights and storytelling internally with both scientists, non-scientists, and externally facing at conferences and with the external media.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.