JOB MISSION:

New Balance’s Merchandise Buyer, will be responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category, department, or channel with the goal of meeting/exceeding sales and margin targets.  As the Buyer, create product assortment and buy plans that meet customer needs by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight and business analysis.  The Buyer needs a clear understanding of the buying process, inventory distribution and product lifecycle. 

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Execute “bottoms up” planning by category, assortment and buy plans to achieve financial plans that will meet/exceed sales & margin goals.

• Partner with Merchandise Planner to complete open-to-buy forecasts and action steps

• Ensure the merchandise selection aligns with customer needs, orientation and satisfaction

• Share customer and competitive landscape with cross-functional partners; stay current on fashion trends

• Partner with Product Merchandising and product teams to develop a category profile and strategy that achieve the product needs.

• Utilizing analysis, forecast and develop demand plans for 6-24 months out

• Integrate strategies, profiles and consumer insights from Category Planning into development of a seasonal  Assortment Plan

• Responsible for product selection and creation of purchase orders/contracts focusing on order accuracy, documentation, and shipping within timelines of order due dates

• Conduct timely follow ups on purchase orders, delivery schedules on a continual basis

• Maintain inventory position to assure optimum turns by consistently monitoring  sales to assure prompt inventory action and accurate forecasts of inventory, adjusting orders & min/max as needed

• Maintain excellent partnerships with external vendors and internal cross functional teams

• Keep informed of pending price increases, new products, cancelled products, and products that will become obsolete, taking the appropriate actions necessary to optimize opportunities and minimize inventory risks

• Review  and maintain demand forecasts, product performance, inventory reports, and other investment tools to maintain proper inventories

• Collaborate with Merchandise Planner on Buy Planning (OTB)

• Promote positive team environment within the Merchant Team

• Identify strengths and improve performance by supporting multi-skill development

• Partner with Marketing Team on seasonal Calendars ensuring key drivers, promotions,  big ideas and new launches align

• Develop business relationships with key internal Operations Team (Warehouse, Customer Care, IT, etc.)

• Collaborate with Digital Site team to confirm timely optimization to site; new product being turned on and discontinued product turned off site. (Ecomm Specific)

• Collaborate with Store Operations team on new product launches, store executions, promotions, inventory needs. (Store Specific)

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1-3 years retail or related experience.

• Proficient PC skills, including MS Office Suite and advanced Excel skills

• Proficient use of retail merchandising and reporting system.

• Mastery of all components of retail math.

• Ability to think and plan strategically and make buying decisions 1-2 years in advance.

• Aptitude to analyze discrete data to identify trends, issues and opportunities

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.

• Effective communication skills at multiple levels within the organization including senior management

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.