Temporary Apparel 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. At New Balance, We Got Now.

**Contract Position ( 12-14 months)**

Responsible for the art and science of apparel merchandising from a regional business unit perspective. This will include but not be limited to determining and defining regional capacity, forecast management, strategy input document, system management, go to market planning, sku efficiency and productivity in a cross functional team that will require skills of working across boundaries.

**MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES**:

- Lead the merchandising of your designated apparel categories for the region
- Manage and refine Directed Assortment & Must Land product for tiers and channels of distribution, identify longer term implications and needs. Practice planning to a space & thinking with the end in mind.
- Focus on KPI’s of sales, margin, and turn, in addition to style efficiencies, ensuring the appropriate balance of the art & science of merchandising
- Be a creative thinker and initiator of new ideas to bring key product stories to life
- Drive consumer and customer insights as it relates to product feedback through a consumer lens on behalf of the needs of key retail partners
- Continually interpret and proactively react to seasonal selling trends to grow future opportunities as well as mitigate risk
- Develop strong partnership with global merch and product teams to gain understanding of product details and to share information on channel needs
- Manage and own the systems and tools needed.

**REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS**
- Bachelors degree required with 5+ years of industry experience preferably in Men's apparel buying and/or merchandising
- Keen eye for product and awareness of apparel trends and landscape; specific emphasis on athletic apparel business
- Experience with product planning, sales forecasting and working to budgets
- Knowledge of channel segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flow
- Leadership skills with the ability to influence
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the desire to build lasting relationships internally and with retail partners
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential
- Superior communication skills, especially presentation skills
- Computer skills including advanced Excel and PowerPoint
- Some Travel required

**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 hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while providing high levels of flexibility to associates. North American office-based associates are expected to come into the office on Wednesdays, with other occasional in-office days for in-person meetings and events as needed. Our offices are fully open and amenities are available across our North American office locations.

**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.