New Balance

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:

Lead the innovation teams through all phases of materials development to deliver strategic, commercially viable and sustainable footwear platforms across Performance categories. Leverage knowledge of materials, equipment, and process to enable the execution of industry leading new products. Support material research activities aimed at creating products designed to improve athlete performance. Generate concepts through interaction and insights from athletes and the innovation team. Collaborate with product creation to deliver innovative materials, treatments, and processes to present to the inline product teams on a seasonal basis Develop and refine solutions by working with all levels of development and the supply chain. Lead the validation of the final product and create standards to facilitate the commercialization process.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Participate in research, development, and performance validation of upper materials/post- processes that are suitable for use in finished performance footwear.
• Collaborate with product creation team, material design, innovation, and sourcing to support NB footwear product creation.
• Provide technical and commercial consultancy for NB footwear GBU’s throughout product creation cycle in a variety of roles, inclusive of: Attending product briefs and design reviews, making supplier recommendations, ensuring material data integrity, and troubleshooting material issues or failures through prototyping phases.
• Across the spectrum of material developments, promote NB’s strategic material initiatives within the areas of innovation, product sustainability, quality, reliability, and price/value specifications.
• Ensure all material specifications and SOPS are available for manufacturing for all materials within their area of responsibility.
• Contribute to advanced material concept presentations to cross functional footwear product creation teams seasonally.
• Create, communicate, and track development timelines to ensure milestones are met and advise on feasibility and applicability of technology to the cross functional teams.
• Communicate clearly and purposefully with overseas teams and partners to drive the products forward.
• Lead vendor communication and understand vendor capabilities.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive work experience in material research and/or development.
• Expertise in the field of material research, development, global sourcing, and commercialization of knits, wovens, print, dye, wash and finish.
• Knowledge of infrastructure and processes required to support a global manufacturer in the areas of material development and testing, technical evaluation, product development calendar and electronic data base applications.
• Experience in working with global suppliers and cross-functional teams including design, material sourcing, quality, and manufacturing.
• Knowledge of footwear textile, non-woven, and synthetic manufacturing technologies, materials specifications, applications, and test methods is preferred.
• Ability to understand design intent and suggest alternative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, time management and well organized.
• Team player willing to collaborate and problem solve from design phases through commercialization.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Ability to effectively balance work in-person and remotely to fit with New Ways of Working.
• A successful candidate will be curious, open minded, always up for a challenge.

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 package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

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 North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

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.