Director, Global Basketball Footwear Product Management - SGA

Overview

This leadership role is part of the Global Product Management team at Nike Basketball Footwear, focused on directing the product management vision and development strategy for the SGA segment. The Director will lead a group of product managers and work in close collaboration with departments such as Design, Development, Engineering, Sourcing, Merchandising, Sports Marketing, Brand, Marketplace, Geographic regions, and Consumer Insights to deliver athlete-centric footwear that combines performance, innovation, and commercial success. Through decisive cross-functional coordination, this role drives clarity, alignment, and momentum throughout the product development lifecycle while raising the standard of team and product excellence.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced footwear product leader skilled at transforming athlete insights into groundbreaking footwear products. They must possess extensive knowledge covering the entire footwear creation cycle—from line planning and product development to commercialization, manufacturing, and market rollout. The candidate balances strategic thinking with operational precision, maintains clarity amid changing conditions, simplifies complexity, and builds trust across multifaceted teams. Strong decision-making abilities, influence without direct authority, and a focus on athlete-centered solutions are essential qualities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full product strategy and development for SGA basketball footwear, managing all phases from initial planning through final approvals.
• Integrate athlete experiences, feedback, and performance data to inform product direction and actionable strategies focused on athlete needs.
• Ensure operational excellence by managing creation milestones, review processes, and cross-departmental collaboration to maintain timely and rigorous product delivery.
• Work collaboratively with Design, Development, Engineering, Sourcing, Merchandising, Sports Marketing, Brand, Marketplace, Geography, and Consumer Insights teams to align efforts and expedite quality decision-making.
• Enhance product quality, construction, fit, testing procedures, storytelling, and consumer engagement through deep footwear knowledge and commitment to craftsmanship.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of product managers by fostering clarity, accountability, growth opportunities, and a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
• Establish a team environment emphasizing athlete focus, product innovation, and collective success.

Qualifications

• More than 10 years of experience in footwear product management, product creation, merchandising, or a closely related area.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Product Management, or related disciplines, or an equivalent mix of education, experience, and training.
• At least 9 years of directly relevant professional experience.
• Strong expertise in footwear creation processes, including line planning, product development, commercialization, manufacturing, and go-to-market execution.
• In-depth knowledge of footwear engineering, construction, materials, fit, testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to translate athlete insights, consumer behavior, and market trends into impactful product strategies and compelling storytelling.
• Exceptional organizational and operational leadership skills managing complex product portfolios and meeting critical timeline milestones.
• Proven success in leading, coaching, and growing high-performing teams while nurturing an inclusive and responsible culture.

Additional Information

Nike provides a range of accommodations throughout the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible venues, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications. Candidates requiring assistance or accommodations due to disabilities are encouraged to request support through Nike’s Candidate Accommodation Request process.