http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=32 <b>Main tasks</b> <ul> </ul> <b><u>Mission:</b></u> Utilize advanced material, product and process knowledge to execute apparel material development and commercialization process for Football. Provide leadership for the Football category in all material development efforts and by role modeling innovation and technical/professional expertise in all aspects of the job. <b><u>Responsibilities:</b></u> <li>Execute material commercialization for assigned materials. Analyze manufacturing capabilities, anticipate problems, facilitate problem solving and address issues in a timely manner. Communicate with vendor managers, regional and liaison offices, product team members or others to ensure design, quality, safety &#38; design objectives are met. Focus on quality. <li>May require travel to vendor locations. Build seasonal Business Units? materials palette. Engage and participate within the team &#38; contribute to seasonal objectives and timelines. Research new technologies and fabrications in coordination with Design, Materials Department, Advanced Innnovation Technology and liaison offices. Understand &#38; share new technologies, technical solutions &#38; trends with the team. Provide technical expertise to team members. Strategize with Materials Director, Designers and Merchants on trends and seasonal themes. Regularly visit trade fairs and partner with Merchandising / Design for market trips. <li>Ensure all appropriate documentation/ communication is accurate, complete and adhering to calendar deadlines. Maintain data on material development status versus deadlines and communicate information to manager/team members and functional leads. Ensure testing &#38; approval procedures &#38; compliance to safety requirements. Adhere to all operational &#38; supply chain processes requirement and timelines. Problem solving as needed to promote progress. <li>Support business goals and objectives. Work towards pricing, margins and operational efficiencies. Provide sourcing team with material pricing information. Make informed material decisions that are good for the business as well as keeping with trends. <b><u>Requirements:</b></u> Bachelors degree in apparel/textile design, merchandising, engineering, industrial engineering or related field; or an additional two years relevant experience without a degree. At least six years of apparel materials or textile industry experience required. Advanced knowledge of: material construction, apparel construction and properties, textile manufacturing, costing and screen printing. Good understanding of design and development processes from inception through production. Ability to be a technical resource to others. Proven skills related to problem solving and continual innovation. Able to interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions. Able to understand the ?big picture? related to NIKE business, processes and consumer needs. Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with a diverse group of people. Fluent in English both written and spoken http://nike.jobpartners.com/jpapps/nike_emea/jobs/jobview.jsp?fromoutside=xml&requestno=RQ00040067