Associate Planning Manager Jobs

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.

JOB MISSION: Develop long term sales strategies and short-term solutions and tactics at both a channel & customer level within the North American region. Help drive achievement of business goals and initiatives via analytical insights, product knowledge and close cross-functional collaboration. This role will work closely with the Commercial Teams, Merchandising, Operations, and Finance. This is a highly visible role and expectation is to manage and be the subject matter expert on all aspects of Sales Planning including, but not limited to: reporting on KPIs, data analysis and management, maintaining deep business knowledge of key customers & products.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• In conjunction with the Regional Planning Manager, lead business reviews to include allocation, forecast, sell-in, sell-thru velocity and performance vs. plan
• Work closely with Merchandising team to understand overall product landscape within the North America region. Providing analysis on current sell thru/sell in to influence forward looking product offering and mix
• Report and analyze consumer behaviors to address model/style performance related to price, consumer, color, width, location, etc.
• Manage inventory & retail plans with Commercial Leadership to ensure growth goals & strategies are being achieved, while identifying risks & opportunities to the plans
• Work with Regional Planning Manager to develop and implement best in class long term strategies at both sales channel & account levels through collaboration with account managers, merchandise, marketing, finance, operations, and product teams
• Influence retail buyer/planner choices by providing insights and rationale for directed assortments and recommend where to test/expand
• Build & maintain strong relationships with key customers and accounts to influence and execute account plans
• Collaborate with Account Managers, Merchandising and Marketing to drive positive consumer experiences
• Work closely with Head of Planning, Sales Leads, & Merchandising on allocation strategy and determine capacities & growth opportunities within the channel/account
• Develop, prepare, and align on product assortments, taking into account door count, net price, and IMU with a sell in and sell through strategy
• Analyze and report on consumer behaviors to improve product performance related to price, demographics, color, width, location, etc.

Requirements For Success

• Experience working with Dicks Sporting Goods (or other Sporting Goods retailers) a plus
• Capacity to think strategically, synthesize complex data and develop creative and innovative solutions
• Strong multi-tasking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure
• Proven ability to lead, effectively communicate and influence business partners, including senior leadership
• Excellent understanding of retail metrics and ability to interpret and action data to positively impact business
• Self-starter that takes initiative to start and complete assignments without direct supervision
• Power user of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; Spotfire (or Tableau) experience also preferred
• 5-7 years of sales planning, analytics, operations and/or category management experience. Previous experience in athletic industry or consumer product goods will be an advantage
• Ability to gather data from multiple sources and manipulate the data to develop demand-driven and action-based reporting and analysis
• Good people acumen and interpersonal skills; demonstrated collaborative orientation in team environment and a very high level of personal efficiency

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.