Associate Operations Merchandising Manager

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 Associate Operations Merchandising Manager is responsible for the managing the Go To Market calendar and updating processes aligned to key dates. Partner with all merchandising managers in the North America region to help secure meeting rooms and help set up rooms for customer visits and other New Balance meetings.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

GTM Process & Calendar Oversight for NA Region

• Facilitates Centralized GTM Process for Region - Acts as a regional arm to Global Merch Ops - sitting in region but very connected to global ops team
• Coordinates Execution of GTM calendar and associated milestones on behalf of team - Takes global calendar and evolves into regionally relevant view inclusive of:
  • Critical GTM Milestones (GTM 1,2,3,4 and regional meetings required to meet deliverables)
  • Critical associated Merch tasks / deliverables (e.g. pass offs, pencil's down dates, lock dates etc)
  • Maintenance of Centralized Regional GTM calendar (SharePoint)
  • Facilitates Save the Dates and Meeting outlook invites (guided by BU Merch input) on behalf of team for the above
  • Coordinates Milestone Meeting logistics - facilities requests, room set up, AV requirements, schedules (replacing Palmer on room booking, and Jack on facilities reqs)
  • Assist with consistent templates / docs for milestone meeting
• Uncover areas within the business to drive process improvements to unlock productivity and continuously evaluate ways to sharpen GTM strategic framework

Shared Information Management on SharePoint (for NA BU critical Shared folders (not category or KA specific ones)

• Maintains a logical and tidy NA BU SharePoint
• Includes Seasonal Milestones, LRP/Strat plan, Seasonal Calendar, or shared projects etc.

Continuous Improvement/Process Management - Serves as a lead on continuous improvement projects as needed, inclusive of:

• Facilitate centralized feedback on milestone and general process improvements for future planning (e.g. post milestone meeting surveys)
• Serve on process related "project committees" as needed
• Partner with GTM Execution team to ensure cross-functional calendar alignment and clarity around Digital Asset availability and timing of delivery
• Product sample organization and tracking.

Streamlined Data flow*

• Regional DA Updates (add /drop/change) -manages updates and communication of updates on a weekly basis by bringing in a new line plan directly from PLM. Facilitates with merchants to update their DA and see where they needed to make attributing changes, tagging changes in PLM .
• Regional Stake holder communications - related to the prior point, this position would manage a weekly communication (rooted in a SharePoint link), of current / updated DA's. This allowed for a weekly, centralized communication to all downstream partners (planning, buying, VM, marketing, and demand planning) on behalf of the entire merch team, so everyone could be "in the know" and update their tools/take action accordingly. Direct Assortments are built with additional relevant stakeholder attributes (own either globally or regionally). We published multiple active seasons weekly

Responsible for updates in new FlexPLM process/tool for both footwear and apparel.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and output of sales, key account, regional business unit, sales planning, and marketing in partnership with Global Merchandising and the GBU.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 3-5 years of related Merchandising, Product Management, Operations, Consulting or Strategy experience.
• Creative energy and thought leadership for complex, matrixed organizations
• Ability to partner with multiple stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity
• Strategic visioning and Planning skills
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Person needs to be highly organized and very proficient in EXCEL and relevant team systems (PowerPoint, SharePoint, outlook, Spotfire etc.)
• Enjoys problem solving, adept at navigating complex and interconnected information and data flow, and confident/mature enough to represent and advocate for the BU and have a voice within the team

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.