JOB MISSION:

The New Balance Senior Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and managing pre-season and in-season merchandise plans that drive sales, margin, inventory productivity, and customer satisfaction across the Apparel and Accessories categories. This role provides reporting, performs analysis and develops actionable insights that support business performance and achievement of key financial and operational KPI’s.

This role supports the Senior Manager, Merchandise Planning and collaborates cross-functionally with Merchandising, eCommerce, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to forecast demand, optimize inventory investments, and support profitable sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented and passionate about retail, eCommerce and consumer trends. They possess the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic business recommendations. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a capacity to influence cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Analyze sales, margin, inventory, and customer performance against budget, forecast, and prior year results to identify risks and opportunities.

• Deliver business recaps, reporting, and actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making to cross-functional partners and leadership.

• Support the Senior Manager, Merchandise Planning in developing data-driven pre-season plans and in-season forecasts for sales, margin, and inventory across annual, monthly, and weekly horizons while supporting brand priorities.

• Maintain merchandise plans, forecasts and Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans within planning systems, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.

• Develop and manage style-level plans using forecasts, historical trends, and test results to optimize assortment productivity and support category strategies.

• Manage inventory investments to achieve sales, margin, and inventory productivity goals while balancing sell-through, weeks of supply, and product lifecycle strategies.

• Continuously evaluate forecast performance, identify root causes of variance, and recommend improvements to planning assumptions, processes, and tools.

• Partner with regional and cross-functional teams to align inventory strategies, mitigate inventory risks, and support sales and promotional initiatives.

• Leverage site performance and consumer analytics to improve forecast accuracy, identify trends, and support data-driven decisions.

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Buying, Site Experience, Site Operations, Marketing, and Sales Operations to align product, pricing, inventory, and demand strategies.

• Drive consistency in reporting, forecasting, and planning processes while sharing best practices across the planning team.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Merchandising, Retail Management, Statistics, or a related field.

• 2-3 years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Inventory Planning, Allocation, Forecasting, or a related retail planning role.

• Experience supporting Apparel, Accessories, Footwear, or similar retail categories preferred.

• Experience in ecommerce or omnichannel retail environments.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Experience with retail planning systems (Anaplan, Oracle Retail, SAP) and reporting/analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and Microsoft Copilot.

• Strong retail math, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative, customer-focused mindset with a proactive, results-oriented approach

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.