Merchandise Planner

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.

• Responsible for developing and accomplishing strategies that drive category/GBU performance in the DTC businesses.
• Analyze sales data, forecast trends, manage inventory quantities and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimize stock availability and improve sales opportunities across Retail, Digital Marketplace and E‑commerce.

• Support and be part of the DTC Planning Team in developing financial strategies and seasonal product assortment plans that improve category performance.
• Work closely with the Buying Team to translate the overall merchandising strategy into an assortment strategy that contains the right product mix.
• Adjust plans and strategies to ensure financial targets are met.
• Handle tasks across future, current, and past seasons and formulate and defend budgets at macro and micro levels.

• Responsible for category monthly re‑forecasts on sales, inventory and intake (WSSI).
• Create ladder plans for non‑seasonal products including risk assessment.
• Regularly analyze sales data, inventory levels, and trends to provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve performance.
• Identify slow‑moving products and work with the buying team to adjust inventory levels, pricing strategies or promotions to improve sales and minimize stock risk.
• Collaborate with Buying and Allocation teams to ensure accurate inventory records and a timely arrival of products to meet customer demand.
• Monitor product availability and proactively address stockouts or overstocks taking all DTC channels into account and liaise with Demand Planning on potential wholesale demand.
• Ensure profitability and efficiency for the assigned area.

• Support the team and the wider business with ad hoc analysis and trading decks.
• Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, identifying opportunities for growth, inventory optimization, and areas requiring attention.
• Analyze historical sales data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for growth or risk mitigation within specific product categories.
• Use data‑driven insights to recommend actions that will improve category performance and meet business objectives.

• Build a positive relationship with the different collaborators (E‑commerce – Retail and MP Teams, Procurement and Distribution team, Demand planning and purchasing teams).

• Relevant years of experience in a similar role in merchandising/buying or product role.
• Passion for product and awareness of the trends.
• Clear understanding of retail KPIs, marketing activations, and retail/digital landscape.
• Sound business and commercial acumen.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Team player, strong communication skills, ability to network and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office and relevant ERP systems.

• Discretionary bonus opportunity.
• Discount on health insurance.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• Flexible working hours.
• Pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave per year.
• Up to €300 travel allowance each month.
• Hybrid working options.
• Employee discount.
• Work from home allowance and home working equipment.
• Sports subscription services.
• Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year.
• Wellbeing and mental health benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support).

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage…