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:
To lead the channel merchandising footwear team in delivery of a seasonally relevant assortment that balances commercial and brand priorities for the season, whilst acting as the voice for DTC within the region and at global milestones.
This is a 12-monthfixed termcontract position.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Be the integral link between EMEA channel merchandising and theDTC commercialteams to ensure thatkey seasonal brand stories are supported accordingly.
Define the EMEA footwear DTC assortment acrossecom, full price,outletand marketplace for all performance + FOP categories.
Deliver business targets (volume,revenueand style efficiency) for allDirect to Consumerchannels across EMEA
Drive the seasonal planning process from a “bottoms up perspective” – ensuring that plans align to both short- and long-term sales and merchandisingobjectives
Drive the EMEA segmentation strategy acrossDTC channels
Ensure visibility and understanding of allDTC plans regionally
Manage seasonal reviews withcommercialand marketingteamsagainst clearly defined KPI’sthroughout the GTM process.
Manage seasonal debriefs with EMEA GBU Merch teams with clear KPI’s.
Manage GTM process and account facing meetings with Merchandising.
Definechannelspecific DAs throughout the GTM milestones.
Be the regional voice ofDTCmerchandising at key Global merchandising milestones.
DevelopDTCrange plan needs at a SKU level.
Work closely with regional counterparts to drive commonality and maximise efficiency of both in-line andexclusiveproposals
DriveDTCneeds and understanding across the EMEA GBU Merchandising team to ensure thatDTCare front andcentreof the range planning process.
Drive consistency and timing ofDTCneeds for input into the key Merchandising milestones.
Establish relationships with markets and keep in regular communication with them to ensure all product queries, requirements and feedback are dealt with efficiently and effectively.
Ability to work to tight deadlines to meet all merchandising milestones.
Travel to domestic and international markets to conduct market, trend, competitor and consumer research and gain product feedback. (Could include weekends/ unsociable hours)
Manage direct reports in a way that empowers individuals to deliver their best work.Ensuringbest in class execution throughout the GTM process.
Develop direct reports through relevantperformance-focusedmilestones
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Relevant experience in either a merchandising/buying or product management role.
European mindset
Passionate about product
Knowledgeable about global consumer trends and key brands/retailers
Presentation skills; confident presenting in front of large audiences
Product briefing; effectively communicate the consumer,designand financials requirements.
Global mindset; managing relations acrossdifferent culturalnuances within EMEA and beyond.
Analytical/numerical skills; proficient with key financial and merchandising metrics
Experience of project management; within a complex creation and go to market calendar.
Team player
High level organisational skills
Willing and able to travel internationallyfrequently
BENEFITS:
Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
Private Medical Insurance
Dental Scheme
Pension Scheme
Flexible Working Hours
Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
25 days Annual Leave per year
Life Insurance
On Site Gym
Employee Discount
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.
