Innovation Project Manager, Performance Running

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

The Innovation Project Manager for Performance Running is responsible for creating and leading an ambitious footwear innovation project portfolio. To fuel this portfolio, you will work with athletes, experts and leaders to generate unique data and insights. You will lead a cross-functional team to create compelling problem statements, brainstorm creative concepts and execute product solutions that are both objectively meaningful to performance and unique to New Balance.

Major Accountabilities

• Deliver seamless hand-offs to inline teams of new products and technologies. Partner with US & Asia-based teams to manage all aspects of tech transitions to inline, ensuring key elements are defined (performance validation, SOPs, costing, capacity plans) and help to define new technologies for marketing purposes.
• Generate unique athlete data and insights, while forecasting future trends to predict how performance needs will change.
• Drive intellectual property development and protection within key focus areas.
• Lead a cross-functional team (Design, Engineering, Sports Research, Development) through the innovation process from problem statement creation and project briefing to hand-off or commercialization.
• Develop a robust network to guide and contribute to the innovation process.
• Manage extended or irregular product creation timelines while effectively engaging necessary stakeholders across the organization.
• Work in partnership with Sport Marketing to engage pinnacle athletes throughout the product process and deliver leading solutions in a hypercompetitive space.
• Work closely with Innovation and Performance Running leadership to define long-term goals, the portfolio and individual project intent. Portfolio will encompass highly technical projects initiated a minimum of 6 months prior to inline start and elite competition product including personalized solutions for a select group of sponsored runners.

Requirements For Success

• Strong creative problem-solving and communication skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
• High fluency in the sport of Running.
• Domestic and international travel as needed.
• Proven ability to uncover athlete insights and translate insights into new solutions.
• Extremely strong project management skills including ability to manage multiple projects at different stages simultaneously.
• Proven track record of leading matrix teams to successful outcomes.
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience managing technical product or innovation projects. Technical footwear experience highly preferred. Education or experience in biomechanics or mechanical engineering a plus.

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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.