Director, Footwear Innovation

New Balance Athletics, Inc.
medical insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, short term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Massachusetts, Brighton
Dec 10, 2024
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 Director of Footwear Innovation will lead the innovation project management team and oversee the development and implementation of cutting-edge footwear projects. This individual will collaborate across departments to ensure the seamless integration of new technologies, materials, and design concepts into our product line. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinker with a passion for footwear, a deep understanding of market trends, and a proven track record in project management, innovation, and biomechanics. A deep understanding and experience working in the running field is a must for this role. This role requires out of the box thinking and a willingness to take risk. The Director of Footwear Innovation will report directly to the VP of innovation and help create and execute the future vision of New Balance Footwear. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: Innovation Leadership: lead the management of innovative footwear projects for running from concept to inline handoff, ensuring alignment and smooth transition Strategic Planning: Work with the VP of Innovation to develop and implement strategic innovation roadmaps that drive long-term product development and market leadership. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with design, engineering, sports research lab, and business units to bring innovative footwear solutions to market efficiently and effectively. Business unit Integration: Work closely with the internal business units to deliver category innovation on a seasonal basis. Build out innovation project plans to deliver against GBU needs. Project Management: Oversee the project lifecycle, including ideation, prototyping and testing, while also managing timelines and resources. Market Analysis: Conduct ongoing analysis of industry trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Technology Integration: Identify and integrate new technologies and materials into the product development process, ensuring the feasibility and scalability of innovations. Work to develop moonshot innovation workstreams that look 3-5 ahead. Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing innovation team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including athletes, partners, and industry experts, to enhance innovation capabilities and partnerships. Sustainability Initiatives: Lead initiatives to incorporate sustainable practices and materials into the footwear innovation process. Athlete and Consumer insight: Lead efforts to incorporate an athlete first mentality. Use insights to drive innovation with the goal of giving athletes a competitive advantage. Work closely with consumer insights team to bring market trends to the innovation team. Moonshot Innovation: Build out moonshot team capabilities, mentor external partnerships in the effort to bring new and fresh ideas to how we design and manufacture footwear. Athlete Services: Manage the athlete services team to ensure that New Balance continues to be the most boutique sports marketing brand in the industry. Work in conjunction with sports marketing and the SRL to make sure our athletes are serviced to the highest level and that insights are brought back to the innovation team. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS: Minimum of 10 years of experience in footwear product management, with a focus in the running category. Leadership focused in innovation is a plus. Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and drive cross-functional teams toward a common goal. Proven track record in managing complex projects, that include far out deliverables and open-ended briefs. Ability to bring focus to the team and ensure executable projects. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate market trends and consumer insights into innovative product solutions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and influence stakeholders at all levels. A forward-thinking mindset with a passion for innovation and a keen eye for design and detail. A mindset of risk taking with a tolerance to fail and learn. Comprehensive knowledge of the footwear industry, including emerging trends, technologies, and competitive landscape. 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.