Senior Global Merchandising Manager, Flagship Footwear

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 Senior Flagship Footwear Merchandising Manager is responsible for the art and science of merchandising the NB Flagship store format from a global business unit perspective. Partner with the global and regional GBU, VM and DTC teams to build bespoke flagship assortments informed by brand ambition, data, store capacities and consumer insights. Build assortments into a plan that achieves the commercial goals, through brand and category stories as a pinnacle expression of the NB brand.

Be the independent mediator between GBU and regions, always strive for pragmatic solutions that find optimal positions between commercial, brand and business goals.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the footwear merchandising efforts for the Business Unit and be the conduit in and out of the regions for the GBU teams at flagship retail stores (Boston, London, Tokyo, NYC)
• Partner with team members and functions to deliver aligned collaborative solutions to represent the desired brand goals and values. Deliver a seasonal Footwear Flagship plan & assortment, story led, with planned product mix and lifecycles.
• Integrate consumer insights and regional feedback to shape the overall long range plan for the flagship businesses.
• Solicit, consolidate and reconcile commercial regional input to validate current and prior seasonal performance, to inform future assortment planning. Ensure GBU & brand plans are adopted in alignment to the Flagship plan at each milestone consistently in all markets.
• Drive the Flagship footwear brand assortment at each milestone stage, ensure key stories and game plan are front and center for the season. Ensure consistency in adoption and lifecycle planning with broader brand plans and strategy.
• Build flagship assortments and plans alongside other DTC formats and wholesale accounts, deliver strategic alignment and of the overall business plan. Build assortments to pre planned zones delivering against, share and mix targets established in the LRP and LPA for the season.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Bachelor’s degree required, with 5+ years of industry experience preferably in footwear merchandising
• Have a strong knowledge of performance, lifestyle and kids footwear, including multiple sport categories including running, soccer, tennis, baseball, skate
• Have a strong background of analytics and product, marketplace, and consumer knowledge, art & science, posses 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
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills are essential with the ability to influence
• 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