Job Description

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This role is based in Jakarta and reports to the Senior Chemical Manager. The Lead Chemical Engineer works closely with external footwear manufacturing partners, Nike Footwear Manufacturing & Engineering, and cross-functional teams across the Footwear Supply Chain organization to deliver manufacturing and product excellence.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike is looking for a Lead Chemical Engineer who brings technical expertise, manufacturing insight, and collaborative leadership to footwear product creation. This individual will help advance chemical engineering capabilities across innovation, commercialization, manufacturing, and product excellence initiatives. The successful candidate is a practical problem solver who can translate strategy into action, navigate ambiguity, and influence stakeholders across a highly matrixed environment. They possess a strong understanding of materials, processes, factory execution, and product commercialization while demonstrating the ability to build strong partnerships across Nike, manufacturing partners, and suppliers.

This role requires a leader who can manage complex priorities, coach and develop others, and align teams to Sustainability, High Performance Materials, Product Excellence, and Innovation objectives.

• Minimum of 6 – 8 years of directly relevant experience in Chemical Engineering, product creation, manufacturing, materials, or related technical environments.
• Bachelor’s or above in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymers, or other related sub-specialty field.
• Footwear experience preferred. Experience in related industries such as tires, polyurethane, plastics manufacturing, or adhesive manufacturing may also be considered.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to footwear manufacturing partners and vendors in Banten, West Java, and Central Java.
• Demonstrated ability to define Chemical Engineering goals, lead complex projects, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and convert strategic priorities into actionable solutions.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills (Minimum CEFR of B1, IELTS Score 4.5, TOEFL iBT 60, TOEIC Score 600, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in the local language will be advantageous.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will lead process development, development trials, and commercialization activities that transform chemical engineering insights into scalable manufacturing solutions. You will translate findings into clear actions, establish validated standards, and drive product and manufacturing excellence while helping shape the future of sport.

• Partner with Chemical Engineering and the Footwear Manufacturing Engineering network to define priorities, implement initiatives, track progress, and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Lead process development activities, development trials, and commercialization efforts that enable scalable and consistent manufacturing execution.
• Mentor and coach junior Chemical Engineers while fostering a culture of ownership, curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the extended network.
• Facilitate workshops, technical reviews, and structured problem-solving sessions while working closely with external vendors and factory partners to drive innovation and performance.
• Collaborate with Global Chemical Engineering, factory partners, and cross-functional teams to advance best practices, new chemistry applications, and product excellence initiatives.
• Manage weekly and seasonal priorities, maintain an annual engagement cadence with factory partners, and deliver against both immediate business needs and long-term strategic objectives.