Global Footwear Product Manager – Lifestyle Essentials

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.

About the Role

As a Product Manager, you will support the Lifestyle category and specifically the Essentials Product Creation Team in execution of the global line plan for Lifestyle Footwear targeting Tier 4 distribution. You will serve as the category consumer, product, and storytelling expert for the New Balance brand, working on a team that is creating industry-leading commercial product. You will effectively manage the product creation process from briefing to design creation to commercialization and aid in strategic assortment planning. This includes both new product ($70 - $100 MSRP) as well as expanding franchise models through fresh seasonal material and color flow.

This role requires a strategic, highly collaborative, and creative thinker with a strong trend/fashion mindset and an eye for product. You must have excellent problem-solving skills, a detail-oriented communication style, and a passion for consumer insights. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, curious thinker, and entrepreneur-minded, capable of partnering with diverse global teams and leading the creation triad team. This role will be based at either New Balance headquarters in the Boston area or the New Balance Warrington office in the U.K.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the Essentials Lifestyle product line strategically aligned with the needs of the global consumer.
• Creatively input insights to briefs to inspire the design and marketing teams.
• Incorporate available bench research data to support insights and future opportunities.
• Own deliverable timing, tracking, and execution with a strong POV and passion for the consumer.
• Achieve sales revenue, unit margins, and brand share objectives for the category.
• Remain current on industry and fashion trends, analyze market data, and identify opportunities for new product development or franchise extensions.
• Obsess over the consumer: apply hindsight, insight, foresight, and marketplace knowledge to create compelling product strategies and identify opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead the product quad team (design, development, costing, and PM) to ensure premium price-to-value product is delivered on time.
• Lead seasonal category material and color capsule strategy through partnering with material design, color design, and Performance PMs.
• Responsible for go-to-market product direction—product data integrity, product copy direction, product storytelling—and create and deliver presentations to senior management and customers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in product creation or product merchandising in the lifestyle/fashion space (experience in commercial/value product is a major plus).
• Ability to build and implement product strategy and lead a cross-functional team.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, strong product and financial acumen, and a creative eye for product design and trends.
• Strong analytical skills and an action-oriented approach to utilizing data to drive decision-making and results.
• Attention to detail, data integrity, and adherence to deadlines.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal communication skills, with strong collaboration and influence abilities.
• Dynamic team player, comfortable working cross-functionally and in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent industry knowledge and understanding of New Balance Lifestyle Premium product and strategy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401K.
• Online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, and $100 monthly student loan support.
• Various mentorship programs to encourage personal and professional growth.
• $1,000 yearly lifestyle reimbursement.
• 4 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and generous parental leave.

Pay

Annual base pay range: $100,200 - $158,400 (actual base pay varying based on relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and other factors).

Schedule

• Hybrid work model: in-office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
• "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) policy: four weeks per calendar year.