Job Description
Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
JOB MISSION:
This position is designed to shape the global direction for running by building product and franchise architecture, and ensuring New Balance resonates with runners in ways that drive both performance credibility and cultural relevance. It’s about defining what running means at scale for New Balance, not just managing a segment of the business.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Establish and communicate the end-to-end Global Running Merchandising Strategy and partner cross-functionally to define and set multi-speed GTM and Operating Model to maximize and monetize brand momentum in the running category
Define Global Running Merchandising organization to support the strategy and operating model
Create the running culture calendar and identify opportunities to position New Balance at the intersection of running, sport, and culture
Partner with global and regional merchandising leads on business and revenue plans along with forecasts specific to running products
Partner with the GTM, sourcing, production, and planning team to operationalize the global sourcing footprint for running and align on key strategic relationships
Establish running-specific fabric platform, technical blocks, visual language, and product architecture and deliver structural economics to build long term profitable growth
Embed robust consumer testing throughout the process to maximize success of running products
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Have 15+ years of experience developing and executing merchandising and product strategies in a global or direct to consumer apparel or footwear business, with a strong focus on running. Experience with technical running product development and deep understanding of the running community are highly beneficial.
Have a passion for understanding the customer, market and competitive trends as a means of identifying the right product at the right price
Demonstrate the ability to balance creative and analytical thinking, intuition and data, to build a compelling and consumer centric product
Possess excellent judgment and the ability to act decisively in situations requiring quick but thorough analysis and decision-making, while understanding when and how to appropriately escalate issues
Have strong leadership skills with a proven ability to influence your peers and an organization, as well as to inspire and motivate a team to constantly raise our collective bar
Regular Associate Benefits
Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.
Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.
Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.
Flexible Work Schedule
For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.
Equal Opportunity Employer
New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.