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:
New Balance Apparel is positioned as key growth engine for the company. New Balance is on a journey from a category leader in footwear to a brand living the intersection of sport and culture with footwear and apparel.
At New Balance, merchants and product creation teams obsess over the consumer. PM’s are the guardians accountable for bringing the NB product vision to life for our consumer. The PM team analyzes consumers maximising hindsight and insight, applying foresight and marketplace capacity to create compelling product strategies. PM’s thrive on creating marketplace cut through of ideas and products delivering incredible consumer experiences and best-in-class product.
We are looking for a versatile Product Manager, Apparel – EMEA to work on building world class product for the JD Group globally as well as our EMEA key account business. The ideal candidate has a strong eye for product, a good understanding of the Gen Z consumer, strategic, highly collaborative and commercially driven. This role will help to shape the future of apparel business in EMEA by leveraging consumer and marketplace insights to identify ‘what’s next’ and is crucial to deliver the right products, to the right place at the right time to drive key account growth. You will be a savvy Product Creation operator and excellent communicator who will help accelerate apparel growth with sell-in and sell-through as the metric of success.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Accountable for completing the long range global apparel product strategy for JD group to achieve daring financial goals.
2. Building seasonal design briefs, and working with Manchester Design Studio team (design, development, tech design) to deliver this product within the SMU calendar.
3. Partners directly with JD lead buyers and JD Channel Merchandisers seasonally to define the global product line plan based on segmentation, regionalization, space and capacity.
4. Maintaining systems, pricing, calendars for the product lines.
5. Driving a relevant range that delivers for the New Balance JD consumer whilst delivering on commercial targets set by the Global Product team.
6. Ensuring high level of accuracy in information/communication flow for all JD Apparel topics.
7. Partner with inline PM team to build into brand stories and meaningful moments with both merchandized exclusives as well as inline product to drive growth targets.
8. Support in the preparation and presentation of global pre-line apparel presentation for JD group.
9. Develops product against margin targets and engage with sourcing to improve global reach for JD.
10. Effectively and efficiently communicates across all regions to capture opportunities and ensure execution of the agreed JD product line.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
11. 3-5+ years of Product Line Management/Merchandising/Buying apparel experience with a global brand.
12. A keen eye for product, awareness of current and upcoming trends and a deep understanding of the Gen Z consumer.
13. Highly organized, and comfortable managing multiple projects at one time.
14. Strong communication skills for articulating, discussing, and advocating for concepts and decisions.
15. Strong analytical abilities to inform & support decision making
16. Extensive experience collaborating with diverse and cross-functional teams in a dynamic, rapid growth environment.
17. Consumer obsessed with a problem-solving approach & can-do attitude
18. Domestic & International travel required.
BENEFITS:
19. Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
20. Private Medical Insurance
21. Dental Scheme
22. Pension Scheme
23. Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
24. Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
25. 25 days Annual Leave per year
26. Life Insurance
27. On Site Gym
28. Employee Discount
29. Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year
30. Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)