About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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%

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.