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:
We are looking for a dynamic Channel Merchandising Manager to maximise Apparel and Footwear opportunities within our Strategic Key Accounts (SKAs) across EMEA. This role is crucial in ensuring consistency, efficiency, and a customer-centric approach during the planning process while delivering strong business results.
This is a 12-month fixed term contract.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Drive Business Growth:
Achieve volume, gross margin, and style efficiency targets for SKAs in Apparel and Footwear.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally:
Work closely with EMEA Key Account teams to define and fulfill regional SKA needs.
Lead Seasonal Planning:
Develop bottom-up seasonal plans that align with both short- and long-term sales and merchandising objectives.
Deliver Head-to-Toe Styling:
Create inspiring, fully connected outfits tailored for SKAs, ensuring a cohesive look.
Champion the SKA Voice:
Represent SKA needs across the EMEA Merchandising organisation.
Act as the regional SKA advocate in key global milestone meetings.
Maintain close collaboration with the EMEA GBU & Channel Merchandising teams.
Market & Trend Research:
Travel internationally to gain insights into market trends, competitors, and consumer preferences. (May include weekends or non-standard hours.)
Product Innovation:
Provide briefs for new product ideas that drive category growth.
Go-To-Market Leadership:
Manage the GTM process and lead account-facing merchandising meetings.
Stakeholder Management:
Build and nurture strong relationships with key global and regional teams.
Performance Analysis & Reporting:
Deliver monthly SKA updates, focusing on key sell-through metrics, opportunities, and challenges.
Present product lines at key internal and external meetings.
Operational Excellence:
Manage range grids, presentations, and merchandising systems.
Maintain accurate EMEA assortment data within internal systems.
Optimise SKU efficiency to drive productivity.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Relevant number of years experience in merchandising, buying, or product management within an apparel and/or footwear environment.
Analytical approach, and strong numerical skills with a deep understanding of merchandising and financial metrics.
Passion for product and fashion, with expertise in global consumer trends and key industry players.
Ability to translate consumer insights into product opportunities, taking a consumer-first approach.
Comfortable delivering presentations to large audiences.
Familiarity with apparel, accessories, and footwear materials, fabrications, and compositions.
Skilled in managing relationships across diverse cultural contexts within EMEA and beyond.
Ability to meet tight timelines while balancing multiple priorities.
Great teammate, collaborative, highly organised, and meticulous.
Willingness to Travel internationally as required.
BENEFITS:
Benefits will differ depending on the associate's location.
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
Employee Referral Scheme
Volunteering Opportunities via NB GivesBack
Learning & Development Opportunities
Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year
Travel Assistance and Insurance when working abroad
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.