Director, Footwear Development, Field of Play

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:

Lead product development teams across Gridiron, Diamond, Court and Club categories to develop, validate and commercialize industry-leading seasonal and promotional product to quality and performance standards and margin targets.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Works closely with VP Product Development, Senior Director and Footwear Director peers (across HQ and Asia) to develop and implement Footwear R&D strategy.
• Works closely with Senior Director to drive vision and purpose across Field of Play (FOP) to motivate associates and partners.
• Drive resource planning across Field of Play categories to cover Inline, SMU and Promo work.
• Key partner to PM, Design and Costing leadership crafting and driving category strategy, team working agreements to meet organizational and category goals to drive accountability and decision making across the team based on seasonal deliverables that deliver best in class products, on time, at cost and fully validated with the consumer.
• Continually benchmark industry products, processes, systems and tools that enhance category excellence.
• Creates and calibrates category best practices and standards required to deliver products meeting athlete/sport needs in each category.
• Works closely with athlete service and innovation teams to incorporate insights and innovation concepts into Inline product and process.
• Partners cross-functionally to drive and support people, process and system strategies and initiatives.
• Hires, trains, coaches, and mentors within team and across Product Development to help continually improve organizational technical and project management skills.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Minimum 15 years working in footwear R&D and related product creation roles
• 10 years' experience managing and developing associates.
• BA or master’s degree in engineering, Project Management, Sports Marketing, Fashion/Textiles.
• Strong negotiation and project management skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge and/or experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma quality principles are desired.
• Working knowledge Microsoft Office Programs – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams
• Working knowledge of Flex PLM, VibeIQ and 3D platforms (MODO, Colorway, Clo, Browzwear) a plus.
  
  

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.