Merchandising Manager, Global Running Apparel

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:

The Merchandising Manager, Global Running Apparel is responsible for delivering the art and science of merchandising from a global business unit perspective. They will define the global and regional marketplace capacities informed by data from business analysts and consumer insights research team and use this to inform and guide their global assortment range plans. They will partner with the Global Business Unit (GBU) creation teams and global marketing leads to build a plan that achieves the commercial goals and satisfies the brand ambition.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the merchandising effortsfor the Running Business Unitand be the conduit in and out of the regions for the GBU.

• Deliver seasonal story led distribution plan direction & assortment with planned product mix and lifecycles.

• Integrate consumer insights and regional feedback to inform the overall long-range plan for the Running category.

• Solicit, consolidate, and reconcile commercial regional input, (participate in the LPA and convergence processes).

• Validate GBU creation plans and consumer intent prior to handoff to markets and ensure GBU & brand plans are adopted at each milestone consistently across the globe.

• Facilitate go to market touch points and milestones with the markets, planning, and key commercial teams, and be the day to day go to for the regions within the Running go to market process.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Bachelor's degree required, with 5+ years of industry experience preferably in apparel, footwear, sport merchandising.

• Be comfortable with ambiguity, knowing the optimal solution will often be made up of multiple compromises.

• Have a strong background of analytics and product / marketplace & consumer knowledge, art & science, possess data and creative skills.

• Knowledge of channel segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flow.

• Sophisticated communicator, able to clearly present and negotiate with multiple regions, cultures, and areas of expertise at all levels.

• Leadership skills with the ability to influence. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential. Open to change and new ways of working. Capable of building new ways of working and processes / systems.

• No more than 25% 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 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.