Director NA Sales, Lifestyle

Position: Director NA Sales, Lifestyle Street
Location: Crozet

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:

This role leads the commercial strategy and execution for the Lifestyle Street channel, overseeing four key accounts in the United States. The Director is responsible for driving revenue growth, building strong retail partnerships, and aligning cross‑functional teams to deliver consumer‑right assortments, compelling retail experiences, and profitable sell‑through. This position manages a team of sales professionals and works closely with merchandising, marketing, planning, and operations to create brand‑enhancing consumer experiences at retail.

Major

Accountabilities:
Channel Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned to New Balance’s strategic priorities and growth targets.
• Lead seasonal go‑to‑market execution, including assortment planning, marketing, visual merchandising, shipping, and inventory management strategies.
• Identify and adapt account‑specific strategies to maximize brand impact and commercial results.
• Contribute to shaping the long‑term vision for the Lifestyle Street channel, aligning account strategies with broader organizational goals.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and coach Account Managers to deliver against sales, margin, and partnership goals.
• Foster a collaborative, performance‑driven culture across the team and cross‑functional partners.
• Support team development through feedback, training, and career growth opportunities.

Retail Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key contacts at Hibbett, DTLR, Snipes, and Shoe Palace to influence strategic direction and drive mutual growth.
• Lead negotiations to ensure agreements align with profitability and brand objectives.
• Partner with retailers on joint business planning, in‑store activations, and seasonal storytelling.

Business Performance & Forecasting

• Actively monitor account performance across key metrics (such as sell‑in, sell‑through, margin, inventory).
• Ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning in partnership with planning teams to meet sell‑in and sell‑through targets.
• Provide regular business updates and insights to senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with merchandising to ensure product assortments align with consumer and account needs.
• Partner with marketing and visual merchandising to deliver compelling retail activations and storytelling strategies that elevate brand perception in lifestyle accounts.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional leaders to ensure seamless execution of go‑to‑market strategies and seasonal milestones.
• Work collectively with operations and planning to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.

Requirements for Success:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; MBA a plus
• 10+ years of experience in sales, account management, or merchandising, preferably in footwear, apparel, or streetwear
• Strong understanding and passion for the lifestyle and streetwear consumer and retail landscape
• Proven ability to lead account teams and deliver against sales and profitability goals
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills
• Strong analytical and forecasting capabilities
• Ability to travel domestically up to 30%
• This role is based at our Boston headquarters. We welcome applicants from outside the area and offer relocation support for the right candidate.

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $ - $ - $ Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

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…