Lead, FW Platform Management

Lead Footwear Platform Management

The first spark of a product idea sets the Nike, Inc. Footwear Product Creation team into motion. The team of product line managers, designers, footwear developers, testing analysts, and engineers strive for product excellence. They obsess over shoes, while collaborating, ideating, and refining the product's construction, fit, and style. They use groundbreaking advancements in technology and sustainable design to accelerate innovation. And they work lockstep with Merchandising, Sales, Brand, Manufacturing, and others to produce the final result : products that reflect the soul of sport and inspire athletes to reach new levels of performance.

Who We Are Looking For

We're looking for a Lead to join the Footwear Platform Management team. Nike's platforms drive innovation that has revolutionized the footwear industry and marketplace. We seek someone who can breathe new life into current product offerings and fearlessly cultivate future opportunities for our footwear platforms, successfully fueling our lifestyle and performance businesses. This person is an astute product professional, with a keen product eye, assertive nature, and strong business acumen. The ability to work in a highly matrixed organization, where relationship management and influencing skills are critical keys to success. The ideal candidate will bring an understanding of the Industry, Marketplace, and Consumer with a keen eye for sneaker culture, street fashion, high fashion, sport, and youth culture. The nature of the role and specific product responsibility require someone with an inherent connection to the needs, wants, and influences of young Generation Z and early Alpha Generation consumers who rely heavily on our products in their day-to-day lives and understand how our footwear can capitalize authentically on these key trends in the marketplace. Additionally, experience working on power footwear franchises is a plus. We are looking for a teammate who actively contributes to an environment of inclusion and trust. Who seeks out different perspectives in a truth-seeking manner. Who works together with others as one team, holding self and others accountable to meet commitments, and driving impact for the consumer. You will deliver results with clarity and accountability, demonstrating our shared purpose and commitments. We will think big, break down barriers, innovate and implement in service of our consumers.

What You Will Work On

If this is you, you'll be working directly with the Footwear Innovation and Sport teams. This role is responsible for supporting the shared vision of Footwear Product Creation. The ideal candidate will bring the first spark of a product idea that sets the Product Creation functions into motion.

The role requires tight collaboration with our innovation team, and the ability to influence and drive the long-term innovation roadmap which serves to ensure Footwear models pioneer new spaces. Simultaneously, the right consumer narrative, embellishments, and unparalleled comfort and style will be employed to drive newness model in product lifecycle. You will be a subject matter expert for FW Platforms, the footwear product creation process, and spokesperson for all FW Platform endeavors.

This role is responsible for driving all stages of the product creation process, from uncovering consumer and marketplace insights to presenting finalized footwear concepts. This includes creating product briefs, analyzing business metrics, researching consumer and marketplace trends, co-authoring the line plan, and collaborating with Design, Development, & Merchandising teammates to create industry-leading sneakers. This role will lead by example in every aspect of the job and work with category team members to achieve business results related to revenue growth, profitability, pricing margins, and style / sku productivity. You will monitor progress against objectives and adjust plans as needed, including hitting cost / margin on your styles and all aspects of product management to successfully deliver the line to market. You would be accountable for financial results in the product line and demonstrate astute financial judgment in making key decisions. You'll ensure the accuracy of information in NIKE internal product management systems. You'll also be responsible for creating and delivering impactful presentations at internal and external meetings on a regular cadence.

You will serve as a proactive partner for your peers, acting as a leader during critical checkpoints. You will be responsible for coordinating and communicating the line or specific products to internal and external audiences. It will also be imperative to drive sustainable and aligned product journeys in partnership with Nike's Consumer Teams to delight our footwear consumers.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in program management or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experience.
• Diverse international experience, global consumers and marketplace understanding, with a proven ability to foresee and capture on trends and cultural shifts.
• Sophisticated understanding of Lifestyle Footwear and Sneaker Culture, as it pertains to younger Gen Z and early Alpha Generation female consumers (tastes, habits, preferences, interests, & behaviors).
• An appreciation and understanding of macro / micro-culture, style, luxury, and streetwear with a high taste level.
• Proven experience driving the product creation process, through strong organizational skills, drive for results, business acumen, attention to details, and deadlines.
• Demonstrated lead level product line management and key franchise management experience, with ability to drive solid cross-functional plans.
• Can foster collaboration and maintain relationships with multiple key partners in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tell compelling stories.
• Travel up to 10%, domestically and internationally.
• Product Briefing; and Consumer Insights skill sets.
• Project Management for complex innovations from concept to manufacturing readiness.
• Footwear Technical Knowledge and passion for product.
• Demonstrate excellent and creative consumer / marketplace understanding.