Job Description

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:

The Director of Ecommerce Merchandising, North America, will define and oversee the strategy and execution of seasonal line planning and in-season management for our total ecommerce portfolio, including NewBalance.com, NewBalance.ca, and JoesNewBalanceOutlet.com (JNBO).

This position manages the total product line portfolio of footwear, apparel, and accessories, leads the full Ecommerce Merchandising team, and is responsible for delivering financial targets through curation superior assortments and orchestration of best-in-class product journeys that exceed consumer expectations.

In all we do, you will ensure the right balance between brand and commercial direction, while considering nuances like consumer trends, external marketplace dynamics, franchise health, current inventory levels, and growth and profit enhancement.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the function of Ecommerce Merchandising for all of New Balance’s owned DTC Ecommerce channels in North America.
• Manage a highly cross-functional team, with direct accountability for driving growth, profitability, and inventory efficiency in every category in which we do business in Ecommerce.
• Lead the creation of Ecommerce merchandising strategies with a consumer-first mindset, developing a perspective on shape and share of the business, and influencing Regional and Global Merchandising teams to sharpen assortment based on consumer and marketplace insights.
• Share vision with Ecommerce Merchants to guide seasonal plans and assortments and ensure product mix is brand accretive and complementary across categories, while delivering financial targets and adhering to open to buy. Build long term plans and identify support needed to achieve – lineplan architecture, assortment gaps, site merch opportunities, marketing support, inventory investments, etc.
• Manage in-season business, working with Ecommerce Merchants and Planning team to regularly update the forecast for the total portfolio based on macro trends, site metrics, and product performance. Identify in-season opportunities/risks through analyzing product performance and developing insights. Ensure gap or contingency plans achieve the budget and actions identified can be executed without compromising the brand or strategy.
• Partner with Site Experience teams to plan Editorial Calendar and identify site merchandising opportunities that best showcase assortment.
• Lead Ecommerce Merchants in seasonal hindsighting, pre-season planning, and buys to ensure alignment with direction of the brand and portfolio. Develop robust competitive intelligence to monitor trends and ecommerce best practices. Translate trend analysis into actionable and forward-looking insights, not just historical views.
• Collaborate closely with North America Stores partners to define omnichannel strategies and deliver omnichannel sales plans while identifying online-specific opportunities.
• Inspire and develop a large team, fostering a culture of agility, performance, and continuous learning. Lead by setting clear expectations, creating accountability for results, and driving standardization and simplification of work.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 10+ years’ experience in ecommerce at a leading consumer brand
• Footwear and apparel industry experience required
• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus in business
• Experience managing large, high-performing teams
• Proven track record of business problem-solving, collaboration, and translating complex and unstructured data into clear strategic recommendations
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, strong executive presence, and ability to credibly deliver recommendations to senior leadership
• Consumer-obsessed, data-driven, and results-oriented, with dedication to accuracy and precision
• A self-starter, with an ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, often ambiguous environment
• Overall planning and organizing competency; ability to hold multiple parties accountable to deadlines and deliverables
• Ability to think and plan strategically and make merchandising decisions 1-2 years in advance
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices
• Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint; proficient in Adobe or Google Analytics
• Expert level of financial, analytical, and retail math acumen
• Proactive, “can-do” attitude is a must

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.

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