Product Manager, Graphics

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: 

 New Balance Apparel is positioned as key growth engine for the company. New Balance is on a journey from a category leader in Footwear to a brand living the intersection of sport and culture with Footwear and Apparel.  

At New Balance, merchants and product creation teams obsess over the consumer. PM’s are the guardians accountable for bringing the NB product vision to life for our consumer. The PM team analyzes consumers leveraging hindsight and insight, applying foresight and marketplace capacity to create compelling product strategies. PM’s thrive on creating marketplace cut through of ideas and products delivering incredible consumer experiences and best-in-class product. 

The Product Manager of Graphics at New Balance will drive the vision and execution of our Graphics business on a seasonal basis, delivering a compelling mix of brand forward and seasonal graphics through a consumer-obsessed approach. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Graphics, this role is responsible for creating compelling product assortments that deeply resonate with our consumers, staying attuned to their needs and trends. This role will manage the planning and execution of our seasonal graphic offer, carefully curating a compelling and commercial offer to strengthen brand loyalty and engage our consumers. 

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Range management: Support the Senior Manager in delivering seasonal inline graphics range for Sportswear, building products that resonate with consumer preferences and reflect New Balance’s seasonal direction and brand identity. 

• Consumer-Obsessed Product Strategy: Champion a deep understanding of our consumer, ensuring their needs, preferences, and trends inform every merchandising decision  

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Design, Development teams to ensure product are delivered with excellence 

• Market and Consumer Insights: Regularly conduct market research and gather consumer insights to guide and refine the seasonal graphics strategy, keeping New Balance competitive and top-of-mind. 

• Assortment Planning and Execution: Support the Senior Manager in planning of product assortments, balancing creative expression with commercial viability, to deliver collections that inspire and meet financial targets. 

• Performance Analysis: Continuously evaluate sales performance and gather consumer feedback to inform future product insights, optimizing the effectiveness of the range 

• Margin Management: Develop product pricing and positioning strategies to deliver against margin targets 

• Sample Management: Ensure all seasonal samples are logged and filed efficiently, collating strike offs and distributing when needed 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Consumer-First Mindset: Passionate about understanding and anticipating consumer needs, with the ability to translate these insights into relevant and inspiring product assortments. 

• Product / Merchandising Expertise: Demonstrated experience in merchandising or product management within the apparel industry, particularly with seasonal planning and graphic collections. 

• Trend Sensitivity: Strong understanding of market trends and cultural shifts in the sportswear and lifestyle markets, with the ability to adapt and respond to what resonates with consumers. 

• Creative and Strategic Balance: Ability to balance a creative approach with strategic, consumer-focused decisions that align with business goals. 

• Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing sal