Senior Buyer, Apparel

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:

New Balance's Merchandise Senior Buyer plays a crucial role in steering the merchandising for a large key strategic category of business across one or multiple DTC channels with the goal of exceeding sales and margin targets while delivering a pinnacle brand experience. As the Senior Buyer, create product assortment and style level forecast plans that meet customer needs by incorporating competitive landscape, customer insight and business analysis. The Senior Buyer needs a clear understanding of the buying process, inventory distribution, product lifecycle and competitive landscape.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Execute "bottoms up" planning of a key strategic category, assortment and buy plans to achieve financial plans that will meet/exceed sales & margin goals.
• Lead and present high-level data and strategies to key company management to inform and grow the category and keep the alignment on future executions.
• Prioritize data sharing and presenting of business status to leaders of NA Sales.
• Partner with Merchandise Planner to shape open-to-buy forecasts and action steps to achieve KPI's for the categories and channels.
• Ensure the merchandise selection aligns with Brand Goals, consumer needs, and manages the inventory productively.
• Share customer and competitive landscape with cross-functional partners; stay current on market trends and know the competitors' products and their status in the marketplace.
• Provides in depth data and retail strategic directional inputs throughout the GTM process to shape the future direction of the category and meet the needs of retails commercial needs.
• Lead Strategic PODs Team that concentrates on specific business areas to maximize effectiveness of process, investments and executions.
• Utilizing analysis, forecast and develop demand plans for 6-24 months out
• Integrate strategies, profiles, and consumer insights from Category Planning into development of a seasonal assortment plan
• Responsible for product selection and creation of inventory pools focusing on forecast & size curve accuracy within the booking deadlines
• Maintain inventory position to assure optimum turns by consistently monitoring sales to assure prompt inventory action and accurate forecasts of inventory, adjusting orders & min/max as needed
• Keep informed of pending price increases, new products, cancelled products, and products that will become obsolete, taking the appropriate actions necessary to optimize opportunities and minimize inventory risks
• Review and maintain demand forecasts, product performance, inventory reports, and other investment tools to maintain proper inventories
• Promote positive team environment within the Merchant Team
• Partner with Marketing and Visual Team on seasonal Calendars ensuring key drivers, promotions, big ideas and new launches align
• Collaborate with Digital Site team to confirm timely optimization to site; Alignment on new product launches being turned on and discontinued product turned off site. (Ecomm Specific)
• Collaborate with Store Operations team on new product launches, store executions, promotions, inventory needs. (Store Specific)

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 3-5 years retail or related experience, 2-3 years of buying experience.
• Proficient PC skills, including MS Office Suite and advanced Excel skills
• Proficient use of retail merchandising and reporting system.
• Mastery of all components of retail math.
• Skilled in developing presentations and delivering them to the leadership team.
• Ability to think and plan strategically and make buying decisions 1-2 years in advance.
• Aptitude to analyze discrete data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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.