For over a century, New Balance has inspired athletes and communities of all kinds in their pursuit of excellence. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and we are driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We seek leaders and pioneers - because there's no time to wait around for next. At New Balance, We Got Now.
JOB MISSION: Develop long term strategies and short-term solutions and tactics at both a channel & customer level for North American Key Accounts. Influence sales execution and strategy to maximize achievement of consumer business unit goals and initiatives via insights, product knowledge and collaboration with team and retailers. This role will work closely with the Demand Planning Team, Merchandising, Operations, and Account Managers.This is a highly visible role and expected to be the subject matter expert for all related Sales areas and responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of sales planning: including reporting on KPIs, analysis and management reporting on key customers & products.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Work with Regional Planning Manager to develop and implement best in class long term strategies for accounts through collaboration with account managers, merchandise, marketing, and product teams. Collaborate with account managers to develop specific account/model targets
Maintain strong relationships with key customers and accounts to influence and execute account plans
Work with Planning manager to prepare and align on clear directed assortments related to door count, net price, and IMU with a sell in and sell through strategy
Prepare business unit reviews to include forecast, sell-in, sell-thru velocity and performance vs. plan and work with Planning Manager in leading those meetings
Collaborate with account managers, merchandising and marketing to drive positive consumer experiences
Influence buyer/planner choices by providing insights and rationales for intended DA and recommend where to test/expand
Identify & communicate future line plan needs through understanding of multi-year plans in conjunction with account manager and Regional Planning Manager
Report and analyze consumer behaviors to address model/style performance related to price, consumer, color, width, location, etc.
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
Analyze monthly order flow to manage account and market inventory position to minimize out of stocks and maximize sell-thru
Assist in developing marketplace tactics to balance in-line, promotional and competitive pricing cadence to maximize sell-in and sell-thru in key seasons
Ensure constant improvement in all aspects of the planning process that result in better plans & strong sell through
Keep informed of current best-in-class practices, processes and techniques and brings them into the organization as appropriate
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
3-5 years of sales planning, analytics, operations and/or category management. Previous experience in athletic industry or consumer product goods will be an advantage
Excellent understanding of retail metrics and interpreting data to recommend changes that positively impacts the business
Proven ability to lead, effectively communicate and influence business partners
Self-starter that takes the initiative to start and complete assignments without direct supervision
Ability to think strategically, synthesize complex data and develop creative and innovative solutions
Ability to gather data from multiple sources and manipulate the data to develop demand-driven and action based reporting and analysis
Ability to be detail oriented and manage multiple priorities to accomplish assignments simultaneously under tight timelines
Power user of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, as well as Spotfire (or Tableau)
Understanding of Athletic Footwear and Apparel retail landscape
Good people acumen and interpersonal skills; demonstrated collaborative orientation in team environment and a very high level of personal efficiency
Ability to communicate information to effect change by influencing and persuading senior executives, account managers, cross functional business leaders, peers, and customers to take action
Our Benefits:
Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. In addition to a comprehensive traditional benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, etc.) we proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like on/offsite seminars, customized team building sessions, tuition reimbursement, and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a flexible work schedule, gym discounts, fitness reimbursements, and volunteer opportunities, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.
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.
