Lead, Chemical Engineer

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Lead, Chemical Engineer role is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and reports to the Footwear Senior Manager, Chemical Engineering. This role works collaboratively with external Footwear Manufacturing Partners, the broader Footwear Supply Chain organization, and a highly matrixed network of Nike internal and external partners, applying cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity. The person in this role is part of a global team committed to delivering excellence to product teams and consumers every day.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Lead, Chemical Engineer role is key to driving Footwear Innovation, Product, Manufacturing, and Product Excellence. The person in this role will collaborate with a diverse team of subject matter experts across various disciplines, lead chemical-related projects, and work with the broader Chemical Engineering and Product Testing network to successfully deliver key products, projects, and strategic initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience; advanced degree in chemical engineering, polymer science, or a related field preferred

• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience, preferably in footwear, chemical engineering, chemistry, polymers, or a related sub-specialty

• Proven ability to lead projects, use data analysis tools, and collaborate across cross-cultural and cross-functional teams

• Footwear industry experience preferred; backgrounds with chemical vendors or footwear manufacturers are also relevant

• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, mentoring, project management, and time management skills

• Strategic thinker who builds strong relationships across internal and external partners, including suppliers and vendors

• Excellent written and verbal English communication, with strong project and time management skills and confidence using standard Microsoft Office tools

• Comfortable with occasional travel up to 10%, flexible across global time zones, and experienced in managing supplier/vendor relationships, representing brand interests, and identifying and managing risks and issues.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

In this role, you will help advance Nike’s mission to create world-class footwear by leading manufacturing and product excellence while driving sustainable growth. Your work will align with global engineering strategies and deliver meaningful local impact.

• Collaborate with Global Chemical Engineering and Product Testing teammates, factory partners, and cross-functional teams to drive initiatives, functional best practices, new chemistry, and innovation in support of product excellence

• Engage in meetings, workshops, vendor discussions, and strategic presentations with cross-functional teams across Innovation, Product Creation, Materials, and Sustainability

• Lead and support the team and the Footwear Manufacturing Engineering network to drive projects and initiatives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment

• Inspire the team by fostering a culture of ownership, curiosity, and collaboration

• Stay focused on weekly and seasonal priorities while managing an annual engagement calendar with factory partners to meet short- and long-term goals

Note: At Nike, we're committed to providing a fair and transparent application process for all applicants. Nike does not charge candidates any fees for recruitment or applications.