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.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage merchandise planning for footwear, apparel and accessories with the responsibility for financial plans inclusive of annual, quarterly and monthly budgets
• Design and implement the planning strategy to ensure the right mix of products and assortments are available at the right time for consumers in each region
• Build and reforecast product financial models at the SKU level, incorporating current market conditions and historical sales performance to develop strategic financial targets, support supply planning, and aid in sales execution in the marketplace
• Collaborates with the 5 regional merchandising leaders to understand upcoming activities paired with expert level historical and trend analysis to develop plans that are best for the company and consumer. Lead planners and analysts through their product plans and ensure consistent direction across the business
• Provide analysis on category and model trends, and consumer patterns vs Budget. Look at the business holistically, synthesize the data and provide insight and recommendations to the merchants and business teams. Partner with merchants, site and supply chain teams on developing solutions to drive the business
• Partner with consumer analytics teams to correlate data points and provide meaningful insight that will improve both the consumer experience and the financials
• Set optimal planning process and calendar that enables teams to complete best analysis and operate effectively cross-functionally.
• Build strategies around identified risks and opportunities in the business.
• Lead the team to build bottom-up inventory views of status across regions that supports development of Assortment plans by channel or store format for relevant (future) seasons.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 10 years of relevant experience in merchandising planning, buying & inventory/supply chain
• Financial, analytical and retail math acumen
• Proficient PC skills, including MS Office Suite and advanced Excel skills
• Aptitude to analyze discrete data to identify trends, issues and opportunities
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of both merchant and site analytics along with the ability to synthesize and provide insights from the data
• Must be organized and comfortable leading peers and senior leadership through progress and setting expectations on objectives
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and financial analytical insights
• Experience in the footwear/apparel/sports industries, merchandising digital commerce, or retail experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills: they will be comfortable operating large data sets to drive deep insights, actionable takeaways and improvements.

Please refer the Job description for details