Associate Merchandising Manager

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 Associate Merchandising Manager is responsible for the art and science of merchandising from a regional perspective for Run Specialty Channel and specific Sporting Good accounts for footwear, apparel, & accessories. Apparel is a growth enabler and will require emphasis, apparel experience and dedication. Build assortments (Capsules & Clusters) based on adopting & adapting the Account Directed Assortments and regional marketplace capacities, informed by data both historical, long-range plans and capacity plans Partner with the regional category merchandising teams & respective Commercial teams, to build a plan that aligns the accounts globally to brand stories and commercial objectives around the world while localizing the regional marketplace nuances. Deliver a long-range strategic plan regionally (1- 3 years) with a high level of global brand story adoption, while provisioning for local nuances and scale within the marketplace. Regionally support and drive the product, lifecycle, architecture, product mix & segmentation & differentiation strategy. This role is based at New Balance headquarters in the Boston area.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Partner with key cross-functional teams to support the strategic plan and sufficiency against long range plan objectives.
• Prepare key reports, attend planning meetings, and manage the action items.
• Integrate consumer insights and regional feedback to inform the overall long-range plan for the accounts by category.
• Create and review KPI reports: Help develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for direct assortment initiatives. Prepare reports and analysis to measure these KPIs.
• Support adoption analysis: Develop key reports on direct assortment adoption. Assist the manager in analyzing adoption trends, including share and qualitative reviews.
• Collaborates and coordinates directed assortment collateral to support the adoption and sell in.
• Track, plan and coordinate necessary actions through direct assortment adjustments, operational shifts and generating communication components.
• Track assortment and product sell through and market share by account (monthly) and recommend key actions for short term and long term success.
• Partner with commercial teams and retailers by synchronizing materials, data points and presentation collateral.
• Collaborate within regional merchandising function, commercial leadership and external customer partners to drive a One NB approach.
• Evaluate Channel direct assortments and make recommendations for improvement to drive market share gains in line with brand initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 4+ years' experience in a Product Merchandise environment, with 3 years of Footwear/Apparel experience
• Knowledge of channel segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, and product flow
• Experience with product planning, sales forecasting, and working to budgets
• Strong background with analytics and product / marketplace & consumer knowledge, art & science, data processing and creative skills
• Knowledge of Run Specialty and Sporting Goods channel segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flow
• Sophisticated communicator, able to clearly present and negotiate with both externally with partners and internally with stakeholders
• Ability to think critically and provide constructive insight in a collaborative environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels both internally and cross functionally
• Cultural connector with experience building relationships, diverse networks, and long-term partners
• 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.