Associate Merchandising Manager, MADE

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. At New Balance, We Got Now.

The Associate Merchandising Manager, MADE, is responsible in balancing art and science of merchandising all aspects of the Made in USA and Made in UK footwear categories. Aid in defining global and regional marketplace capacities informed by data and consumer insights from research teams. Lead marketplace management reporting. Support in building seasonal line plan architecture aligned to global LRP. Partner with GBU creation teams and marketing leads to build a plan that achieves commercial goals, manages owned factory expectations, and satisfies brand ambition. Support as an independent mediator between GBU and regions; striving for pragmatic solutions that find optimal ground between commercial, brand and business goals.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

Manage the merchandising efforts for both Made in USA & Made in UK categories for the business unit and be the conduit in and out of the regions for the GBULead in delivering the seasonal DTC assortment; story led with planned product mix and lifecyclesValidate GBU creation plans and consumer intent prior to regional hand offSupport in maintaining integrity of key franchises through lifecycle management and product segmentationAssist in building assortments to pre-planned shape, share and mix targets established in the LRPStakeholder in cross functional mid to long term strategy planningDay to day go to for regions within the GBU and category go to market processLead analysis of regional forecasting and LRP updates to be remitted to the GBUMonitor demand generation and support with data to advise on future factory capacity capabilities

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

Bachelor’s degree required, with 3-5 years of industry experience preferably in footwear and/or merchandisingBe comfortable with ambiguity, knowing the optimal solution will often be made up of multiple compromisesAbility to balance and rationalize objective and subjective points of view and opinionsHave a strong background of analytics and product / marketplace & consumer knowledgeKnowledge of channel segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flowSophisticated communicator, able to clearly present and negotiate with multiple regions, cultures and areas of expertise at all levelsStrong problem-solving and decision-making skills are essentialAttend where possible select market milestones in order to gain and maintain a strong global perspective. Travel required

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 and takes affirmative action 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.