What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchandising Manager position at New Balance?
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 New Balance eCommerce Merchandise Manager is responsible for the overall merchandising direction for Apparel. The Merchandise Manager will determine the strategy of the total product line portfolio to meet or exceed sales, gross margin and turn budgets as well as exceed consumer expectations. The eCommerce Merchandise Manager has direct responsibility for building comprehensive assortment and business plans. This direction should address both achieving financial targets and evolving the shape of the business to meet consumer demand and marketplace trends. This role is responsible for influencing broadly across the organization to align cross-functional teams in accomplishing financial and strategic goals.
The Merchandise Manager should have a strong digital acumen, an apparel merchandising background, and the ability to combine their eCommerce knowledge with their expertise in merchandising and inventory life cycle management to create a superior assortment and experience for newbalance.com. This role reports into the eCommerce Merchandise Manager for Apparel and Accessories, and is part of the North America eCommerce team.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
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.
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 New Balance eCommerce Merchandise Manager is responsible for the overall merchandising direction for Apparel. The Merchandise Manager will determine the strategy of the total product line portfolio to meet or exceed sales, gross margin and turn budgets as well as exceed consumer expectations. The eCommerce Merchandise Manager has direct responsibility for building comprehensive assortment and business plans. This direction should address both achieving financial targets and evolving the shape of the business to meet consumer demand and marketplace trends. This role is responsible for influencing broadly across the organization to align cross-functional teams in accomplishing financial and strategic goals.
The Merchandise Manager should have a strong digital acumen, an apparel merchandising background, and the ability to combine their eCommerce knowledge with their expertise in merchandising and inventory life cycle management to create a superior assortment and experience for newbalance.com. This role reports into the eCommerce Merchandise Manager for Apparel and Accessories, and is part of the North America eCommerce team.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Develop deep understanding of customer needs as well as upcoming trends in the marketplace to influence and guide seasonal plans and assortments; be the expert around the marketplace trends, product, and what the consumer is looking for
- In partnership with the Global Merch teams develop a perspective on the shape and share of the business. Build long term plans and identify support that is needed to accomplish- assortment gaps, site merch opportunities, marketing support, inventory investments, etc.
- Showcase an expert understanding of a Digital DTC business- build strategies with a digital first mindset and be on top of an ever-evolving marketplace. Site metrics and analytics must be at the forefront of decision making- both short & long term
- Partner with site experience teams to develop Editorial Calendar plans and merchandise opportunities to best showcase assortment
- Develop seasonal hindsighting, pre-season planning, and buys (locks) to ensure aligned with direction of the brand and portfolio
- Translate trend analysis into actionable and forward-looking insights, not just historical views
- Manage and launch new products, coordinated with marketing campaigns and site experience plans
- Manage in-season business by working with the Planning Manager to consistently update the forecast for the total portfolio to reflect recent macro trends, site metrics, product performance, and updates
- Identify business opportunities/risks in-season through analyzing product performance and gathering marketplace information. Ensure gap or contingency plans will achieve the budget and that actions identified can be executed. Constantly drive for results without compromising the brand or strategy
- Work collaboratively with Operations team to ensure accurate inventory and optimal stock levels across the channel
- Work cross-functionally as needed to achieve corporate goals. Lead teams through the set strategy and work with them to accomplish
- Communicate knowledge around the consumer and product to all teams and keep them up to date on the market. Influence appropriately and manage conflict if/when it arises between teams
- 7 years professional experience, with 5 years apparel product management or merchandising experience
- Retail/industry experience in apparel
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and building/executing ecommerce strategies
- Experience and understanding of site merchandising and how it can be used to drive sales is preferred
- System savvy (PLM, ERP, Merchandising)
- Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
- Strong planning and organization skills
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical/problem analysis skills
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.
Salary : $300 - $1,000
