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 New Balance eCommerce Associate Merchant for Canada is responsible for supporting the Merchandise Manager in driving the overall merchandising strategy for NewBalance.ca and the Robson Store. The Associate Merchant will have responsibilities across Apparel, Accessories and Footwear product categories. As the Associate Merchant, you will work on curating product ranges to exceed the customers’ expectations by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insights and business analysis. This role will be expected to be an expert in merchandising systems, inventory flow, distribution, and product life cycles. The Associate Merchant will be responsible for ad hoc reporting and analysis, market research, promo planning and execution, marketing and style set-up/maintenance. To be successful in this role the ideal candidate would possess a desire to learn new ideas/concepts regularly, lean into analytics and how to use them to influence business decisions, have the ability to work independently as well as cross functionally and perform in a digital environment with strict attention to detail. This role reports into the Merchandise Manager for Canada and is part of the North American eCommerce team.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• This unique role will have responsibilities across footwear, apparel and accessories product ranges for retail merchandise buying. These responsibilities will fluctuate with the seasonal needs of the business
• Responsibilities include product range selection, forecasting, purchase order creation and maintenance throughout the product lifecycle
• Reporting on product performance and insights weekly, monthly, and annually to lean into the data driven information to make modifications and drive results
• Maintenance of essential documents like the assortment range with updated information and relaying any updates to Planner & Site teams promptly
• Run site metric ad hoc reports and complete analysis as needed, utilize to explain the “why” around the business and not just the “what”
• Partner with Site Merchandise and Marketing teams to proof all collateral to ensure content is correct and reflects in stock items
• With direction from the Merchandise Manager, conduct market research, gather industry data, track trends, themes and competitive shopping to assist with item selection
• Review competitors shopping experiences to identify trends, new product ideas, notable presentations and pricing discrepancies
• Plan promotions together with the Merchandise Manager and partner with the Planner to review forecasts

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in buying, planning & inventory
• Financial, Analytical and Retail Math Acumen
• Proficient PC skills, including MS Office Suite and advanced Excel skills
• Understanding of digital site metrics and KPI’s
• Excellent time management skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced and high-pressure environment

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 hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while providing high levels of flexibility to associates. North American office-based associates are expected to come into the office on Wednesdays, with other occasional in-office days for in-person meetings and events as needed. Our offices are fully open and amenities are available across our North American office locations.

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.