JOB MISSION:

This position is designed to shape the global direction for running by building product and franchise architecture, and ensuring New Balance resonates with runners in ways that drive both performance credibility and cultural relevance. It’s about defining what running means at scale for New Balance, not just managing a segment of the business.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Establish and communicate the end-to-end Global Running Merchandising Strategy and partner cross-functionally to define and set multi-speed GTM and Operating Model to maximize and monetize brand momentum in the running category

• Define Global Running Merchandising organization to support the strategy and operating model

• Create the running culture calendar and identify opportunities to position New Balance at the intersection of running, sport, and culture

• Partner with global and regional merchandising leads on business and revenue plans along with forecasts specific to running products

• Partner with the GTM, sourcing, production, and planning team to operationalize the global sourcing footprint for running and align on key strategic relationships

• Establish running-specific fabric platform, technical blocks, visual language, and product architecture and deliver structural economics to build long term profitable growth

• Embed robust consumer testing throughout the process to maximize success of running products

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Have 15+ years of experience developing and executing merchandising and product strategies in a global or direct to consumer apparel or footwear business, with a strong focus on running. Experience with technical running product development and deep understanding of the running community are highly beneficial.

• Have a passion for understanding the customer, market and competitive trends as a means of identifying the right product at the right price

• Demonstrate the ability to balance creative and analytical thinking, intuition and data, to build a compelling and consumer centric product

• Possess excellent judgment and the ability to act decisively in situations requiring quick but thorough analysis and decision-making, while understanding when and how to appropriately escalate issues

• Have strong leadership skills with a proven ability to influence your peers and an organization, as well as to inspire and motivate a team to constantly raise our collective bar

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 6 opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs 6 that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. Youll 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 6 its 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.