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.

Contract Position (12 months) based at New Balance Boston headquarters.

Responsible for the art and science of apparel merchandising from a regional business unit perspective. This will include but not be limited to determining and defining regional capacity, forecast management, strategy input document, system management, go to market planning, sku efficiency and productivity in a cross functional team that will require skills of working across boundaries.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the merchandising of your designated apparel categories for the region
• Manage and refine Directed Assortment & Must Land product for tiers and channels of distribution, identify longer term implications and needs. Practice planning to a space & thinking with the end in mind.
• Focus on KPI's of sales, margin, and turn, in addition to style efficiencies, ensuring the appropriate balance of the art & science of merchandising
• Be a creative thinker and initiator of new ideas to bring key product stories to life
• Drive consumer and customer insights as it relates to product feedback through a consumer lens on behalf of the needs of key retail partners
• Continually interpret and proactively react to seasonal selling trends to grow future opportunities as well as mitigate risk
• Develop strong partnership with global merch and product teams to gain understanding of product details and to share information on channel needs
• Manage and own the systems and tools needed.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Bachelors degree required with 5+ years of industry experience preferably in Men's apparel buying and/or merchandising
• Keen eye for product and awareness of apparel trends and landscape; specific emphasis on athletic apparel business
• Experience with product planning, sales forecasting and working to budgets
• Knowledge of channel segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flow
• Leadership skills with the ability to influence
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the desire to build lasting relationships internally and with retail partners
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential
• Superior communication skills, especially presentation skills
• Computer skills including advanced Excel and PowerPoint
• Some 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.