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:
Responsible for developing and accomplishing strategies that drive category/GBU performance in the DTC businesses. This role involves analyzing sales data, forecasting trends, managing inventory quantities, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize stock availability and improve sales opportunities across Retail, Digital Market Place and Ecom.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Financial & Assortment Planning:
Support and being part of the DTC Planning Team in developing financial strategies and seasonal product assortment plans that improve category performance.
Work closely alongside the Buying Team to translate the overall merchandising strategy into an assortment strategy which need to contain the right product mix.
Adjustplans and strategies to ensure financial targets are met.
Simultaneously handle tasks across future, current, and past seasons.
Responsible for formulating and defending budgets at both macro and micro levels.
Category/ GBU Management and Inventory Planning:
Responsible for categorymonthly re-forecasts on sales,inventoryand intake (WSSI).
Creation of ladder plans for non-seasonal products including risk assessment.
Regularlyanalysesales data, inventory levels, and trends to provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve performance.
Identify slow-moving products and work alongside the buying team to adjust inventory levels, pricing strategies, or promotions to improve sales and minimize stock risk.
Collaborate with Buying and Allocation teams to ensureaccurateinventory records anda timelyarrival of products to meet customer demand. Monitor product availability and proactively address stockouts oroverstockssituations taking all DTC channels into account andliaisewith Demand Planning on potential demand from wholesale.
Responsible for profitability and efficiency for their assigned area.
Data Analysis, Performance Reporting & Insights:
Support the team and the wider business with ad hoc analysis and trading decks.
Prepare and present regular reports on category performance,identifyingopportunities for growth, inventory optimization, and areas requiring attention.
Analyze historical sales data toidentifytrends, patterns, and opportunities for growth or risk mitigation within specific product categories.
Use data driven insights to recommend actions that will improve category performance and meet businessobjectives
Cross- Functional Collaboration:
Build a positive relationship with the different collaborators (E-commerce – Retail and MP Teams, Procurement and Distribution team, Demand planning and purchasing teams).
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Relevant years of experience insimilarrole in merchandising/buying or product role.
Passion for product and awareness of the trends.
Clearunderstanding of retail KPI’s, marketing activations, and retail/digital landscape.
Sound business and commercial acumen.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Team player,strong communicationskills with the ability to network and build strong relationships with stakeholders in the wider organization.
Strong analytical skills.
Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office and relevant ERP systems.
BENEFITS:
Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
Discount on health insurance
8% holiday allowance
Flexible Working Hours
Pension Scheme
25 days Annual Leave per year
Up to €300 travel allowance each month
Hybrid working
Employee Discount
Work from home allowance
Home working equipment
Sports subscription services
Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year
Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)
Equal Opportunity Employer:
New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.
If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.
In 1906, New Balance began as a humble one-man operation founded on the belief that “we were born to move,” and has since grown into an international corporation, selling footwear and apparel in over 120 countries and employing over 14,000 associates worldwide. Our mission has always been to support the performance of athletes, and with an unparalleled focus on quality and craftsmanship, we’ve come to set the standard for comfort and fit in an industry all too often driven by hype.
We’re incredibly proud of our history and how far we’ve come, but companies don’t thrive for over a century by being content.
Whether it’s setting a new style trend, retooling our manufacturing process, or building a new state-of-the-art headquarters, we pursue innovation with a spirit of fearless independence. As the only privately held major footwear company in the world, we’re free to do things our way, pushing limits and testing boundaries as we continually reimagine what could be. After all, the status quo isn’t static.
But doing things our way wouldn’t mean much if we weren’t also doing them the right way. We invest in our associates as they invest in us, and as we move forward, we make a point of giving back, supporting communities around us through ambitious philanthropic efforts and involvement programs. We are a company that cares, and our culture is one of integrity and teamwork where together we become greater than the sum of our parts.
