JOB MISSION:

The Senior Merchandising Manager will drive the footwear product distribution, segmentation strategy and account category mix for our must-win & priority Lifestyle Street and Fashion accounts. The successful candidate will partner with respective commercial, marketing, & planning teams to collaborate and align on 3-year shape & share plan. Drive the alignment and execution of seasonal key stories, model/silhouette drivers, concepts, and trends in preparation for pre-sell and sell-in linked to long range plan consistent with key brand initiates and financial expectations.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Drive footwear, product & apparel distribution, segmentation/differentiation strategy, and category mix for a subset of our Key Account priority partners.
• Develop seasonal must land assortments from the Regional Footwear/Apparel product line for specific key accounts to support key brand initiatives and deliver financial objectives across categories, price and margin, as well as turn.
• In cooperation with Regional Business Unit Merchants, Sales and Marketing, develop best in-class Go-To-Market process, timing and execution.  Evaluate and implement seasonal introduction strategy.  Define key merchandising touch points and function ownership.  Ensure alignment within and across the RBUs to support key drivers and “Head-to-Toe” merchandising.
• Drive model and style efficiency; tighter assortments, eliminate overlap between categories and price points, increase expectations within categories we compete in – reduce non-strategic and/or lower volume models, and increase style level expectations. Ensure a sell in to sell through approach.
• Develop mid and long-term product line-ups that clearly communicate model/style lifecycle.
• Lead, coach, and train direct report assistant merchandising manager as appropriate

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with 5+ years of industry experience preferably in footwear and/or apparel buying and/or merchandising.
• Experience with product planning, sales forecasting and working to budgets.
• Knowledge of account segmentation & differentiation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flow.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, both formally and informally.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the desire to build lasting relationships internally and with key retail partners.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication skills, especially presentation skills.
• Computer skills including advanced Excel.
• Travel required for this role.

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.