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.

JOB MISSION:

As General Merchandising Manager for DTC Merchandising, you will lead alignment of the commercial strategy across all distribution points of our Direct to Consumer business inclusive of 3 year plans with clarity of how market share is impacted and how Long Range Plans and key franchise plans track to objectives and facilitate best in class consumer experience. Balance the art and science of merchandising to bring the company's goals to life in Brand Led retail and consumer first mindset. Lead the creation and presentation of quarterly distribution/segmentation guidelines with key cross functional partners (Sales leadership, Planning, Marketing, and Ops) and coordinate development calendar events around Key Go To Market milestones and deadlines.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead teams to build their Directed Assortments driving portfolio management with the optimal shape & share.
• Lead consumer and customer insights as it relates to product feedback, considering longer term implications of feedback.
• Manage directed assortment creation for different Direct to Consumer channels of distribution and refinement inclusive of capsules & clusters.
• Evaluate and drive the qualitative adoption of capsules, key brand launches, and 52 week back to the regional merchandising (category/cross category) team for hind sighting and continuous improvement.
• Manage/Monitor adoption of direct assortments through reviewing forecasts, incoming orders, and supply timing with cross functional teams.
• Identify complex problems and work to resolve with cross functional teams. Execute decisions with conviction.
• Key partner and influencer with Commercial teams on driving depth of the plans through adopting width and partner on geo location and customer door mapping to achieve best in class consumer experience.
• Compile and convey past monthly/seasonal feedback on launches driving key learnings and insights around consumer and specific performance plans.
• Manage, train and coach merchandising staff promoting professional development.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree required, with 10+ years of industry experience preferably in footwear &/or apparel buying and/or merchandising.
• Thorough understanding of the lifestyle & sport industry culture, retail environment, marketplace, and competitive landscape.
• Management/Leadership: Exceptional inter-personal team alignment skills and ability to influence and work in a cross-matrix functional capacity.
• Ability to create and maintain analytical management tools for merchandising, development, SKU performance, gross margin optimization and varied product / retail format / consumer analysis.
• Experience with product planning, sales forecasting and working to budgets.
• Knowledge of segmentation & differentiation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, product lifecycles, and product flow
• Domestic and International travel required - up to-30%

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.