Merchandising Manager, Global Key Accounts

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 seeking a strategic and consumer-focused Merchant Manager to lead the apparel business for two of our most important Global Key Accounts, JD Sports and Foot Locker. This role is responsible for building and executing winning seasonal assortments that connect with consumers, support account growth strategies, and drive profitable business results.

As the apparel lead, you will combine marketplace insights, consumer trends, and commercial acumen to curate assortments that elevate brand storytelling and create meaningful differentiation at retail. You will work cross-functionally across Sales, Planning, Marketing, Product Creation, and Regional Merchandising teams to bring a compelling apparel vision to life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Merchandising & Assortment Management

Build and manage seasonal assortments that align with consumer demand, brand priorities, and account objectives.

Drive assortment productivity and differentiation through product segmentation, lifecycle management, and trend insights.

Go-To-Market Leadership

Lead merchandising activities throughout the seasonal Go-To-Market process for assigned accounts.

Partner with Sales, Marketing, Planning, and Regional teams to deliver compelling product stories, launches, and sell-in presentations.

Consumer & Marketplace Insights

Analyze sales, consumer trends, and competitive insights to optimize assortments and drive business performance.

Gather marketplace feedback and translate insights into future product and assortment recommendations.

Business & Financial Ownership

Partner with Sales and Planning to support forecasts, business plans, and account growth strategies.

Manage assortments against revenue, margin, inventory, and productivity goals.

What Success Looks Like

Consistent achievement of revenue, margin, and growth objectives across assigned accounts.

Strong sell-through, productive assortments, differentiated product stories, and effective cross-functional execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Experience

5+ years of experience in merchandising, buying, planning, product management, or related fields.

Experience within footwear, apparel, sporting goods, or lifestyle products and working with large retail partners preferred.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills & Capabilities

Strong merchandising, assortment planning, analytical, and business acumen.

Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and project management skills with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $100,200.00 - $129,300.00 - $158,400.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

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 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, or any other protected status.