Apparel Senior Product Developer

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:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Apparel Developer to join our team and help bring innovative, high-quality products to life. In this role, you will lead the activities within product development process from concept through commercialization, partnering cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders within R&D along with Design, Product Management, Supply Planning and Sourcing to deliver against product execution, cost and timeline goals. A strategic thinker and hands-on executor, you will apply advanced technical knowledge and problem-solving skills towards product creation and excellence metrics. Your attention to detail, strong communication and ability to manage complex calendars within cross functional dynamics will be critical to your success. 

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead assigned products from concept through to product approval, ensuring alignment with critical deadlines, specifications, sustainability standards, performance metrics, and profitability goals. Experienced working with global vendor source base within fully vertical or CMP business models.

• Collaborate with Design, PM to translate aesthetic concepts into functional, manufacturable products.

• Contributes to seasonal vendor evaluations, focusing on R&D deliverables, costing, and product quality. Determine appropriate levels of escalation, communications and transparency within R&D Management for necessary corrective intervention.

• Partner closely within extended R&D organization Technical Design, Materials, Product Testing, Color to identify optimal source allocations are achieved based on product build requirements.

• Identifies process improvement opportunities, driving initiatives that enhance organizational performance against key KPIs, while creating efficiencies for overall business success with both internal and external partners.

• Manages cross-functional communication with Quality Control and Sourcing teams, to ensure seamless buy readiness transition from R&D.

• Manages Tech Packs, BOM accuracy and data integrity within internal and external users.

• Troubleshoot issues related to quality and manufacturability, proposing or collaborating with key stakeholders for creative solutions.

• Deep cost implications and analysis of materials, trim componentry and executional requests within product category. 

• Stay current on industry trends, product creation innovations, sustainability practices and competitive benchmarking.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• In-depth understanding of apparel development and manufacturing processes, including timelines and coordination of various stakeholders.

• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with a proven track record of managing multiple priorities and meeting concurrent deadlines.

• Demonstrates the ability to balance and effectively carry a significant workload, maintaining focus, organization, and prioritization across multiple projects and responsibilities.

• Promotes a diverse and inclusive environment by encouraging all perspectives, fostering open communication, and establishing trust within teams.

• Willingness and ability to travel globally as needed to support system implementation, training, troubleshooting, and capability building.

• Experience with 3D development tools and digital prototyping.

•  Background in apparel performance / sport, bodywear or sportswear categories.

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 holi