Senior Merchandising Manager, Global DTC - Lifestyle
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:
The Senior Merchandising Manager, Global DTC – Lifestyle will lead the global product merchandising strategy for New Balance Lifestyle across owned DTC channels, including Flagship, E-Commerce, and Inline retail formats. This role is responsible for driving the footwear and apparel strategy that brings the New Balance Lifestyle vision to life across our most brand-accretive consumer touchpoints.
The ideal candidate will possess strong global merchandising experience, deep expertise in lifestyle footwear and/or apparel, commercial and analytical acumen, and the ability to influence across regions and functions. This leader will balance strategic thinking with executional excellence while developing scalable ways of working and building a high-performing team.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Own the global DTC Lifestyle product strategy, aligning footwear and apparel assortments to consumer, brand, and business priorities.
Lead seasonal assortment planning across channels, optimizing mix, segmentation, and differentiation for Flagship, E-Commerce, and Inline.
Translate category strategies into compelling DTC assortments that drive key franchises, product launches, and head-to-toe storytelling.
Partner cross-functionally and globally to deliver consistent consumer experience and drive alignment across seasonal milestones and GTM processes.
Lead directed assortment execution, leveraging consumer, marketplace, and performance insights to optimize assortments while building scalable processes and high-performing teams.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Bachelor’s degree required with 7–10+ years of experience in merchandising, buying, category management, DTC merchandising, retail strategy, or related commercial functions. Experience within the lifestyle apparel or footwear industry preferred but not required.
Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing or developing talent.
Demonstrated experience developing product and assortment strategies within a global DTC or retail environment with a strong understanding of retail formats, digital commerce, consumer behavior, and premium brand experiences.
Ability to combine consumer insights, marketplace trends, commercial analytics, and product intuition to drive decision-making.
Exceptional communication and influencing skills with the ability to align stakeholders across regions, functions, and levels of the organization.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, prioritization, and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to travel up to 25% for store visits, market immersion, regional meetings, and company events.
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 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, or any other protected status.