Merchandise Planner

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 Planner will plan, forecast and manage sales, margin, inventory receipt plans and turn for the Retail stores or Ecom business. Key responsibilities are to maximize sales, gross profit, inventory turns, minimize markdowns, and manage the open buy for specific categories by analyzing financials, market, and customer data. The Planner works within seasonal budget guidelines. Participates in promotional planning initiatives and system execution.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Build preseason financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly and monthly level by season which ties to the companies' budgeted sales, gross margin and turn goals.
• Responsible for Quarterly reforecast with Finance Team.
• Maintain Open To Buy report forecasting sales, gross margin, and inventory turn by week/month at a department/class/subclass level. Communicate business performance during weekly sales and monthly Open To Buy meetings.
• Quantify in-season risks and opportunities at the department, class, and style level and making the appropriate recommendations to merchant teams and management
• Maintain reporting and metrics to drive merchandising strategy and promotional analysis
• Update weekly/monthly business summaries to report out on status of business (monthly; quarterly; etc.), including recommended responses to trend
• Assist in reporting and analysis for Management
• Build and develop relationships with cross functional business partners to achieve financial results for area of responsibility and total company
• Attends weekly business meetings

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Proficient PC skills, including MS Office Suite and advanced Excel skills
• Understanding of retail math components
• Aptitude to analyze discrete data to identify trends, issues and opportunities
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Effective communication skills at multiple levels within the organization including senior management
• Support an environment that fosters respect for the ideas of others as well as ongoing collaboration to execute business strategy

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.