Head Of Brand Extensions – Accessories & Licensing

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:

As the Global Head of Accessories and Brand Extension this role will be responsible for leading the strategic plan for the global accessories and brand extension category. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinker with a passion for sports, a deep understanding of accessory market trends, and a proven track record in project management and accessories. This role partners with key managers providing leadership to ensure full collaboration with the brand matrix including Footwear and apparel partners, Development and Design, Regions, Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Sourcing, and Operations to drive results. This role is based at New Balance headquarters in the Boston area.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead and effectively communicate the strategic direction and vision of the Global Brand Accessories and Brand Extensions. This will include long term planning, strategic programs and initiatives.
• Craft compelling product stories that captivate and inspire consumers, driving excitement and emotional connection with the brand.
• Partner with footwear & apparel teams to leverage and drive rich head to toe storytelling and connectivity
• Manage a world class team to excellence, including recruitment, assessment, coaching and development of team members to ensure top performance and future succession at all levels.
• Evaluate the marketplace to better understand the broad spectrum of consumer product, market and technology trends. Work with Global Brand Management and Consumer Insights to align the GBU with NB brand positioning efforts. Develop strategies that resonate in the marketplace and develop desired financial outcome.
• Forecast business opportunities and internal resources required to ensure continued growth and success of the GBU.
• Drive operational excellence as a GBU focused on driving best in class consumer and product experiences.
• Accessories Leadership: lead the management of accessory projects for across running, Sport, Lifestyle and Events from concept to sell through.
• Strategic Planning: Work with the Sr. Director of Brand Accessories to develop strategic roadmaps that drive long-term product development and market leadership.
• Business unit Integration: Work closely with the internal business units to deliver cross category connection and drive a premium consumer experience.

• Project Management: Oversee the project lifecycle, including ideation, prototyping and testing, while also managing timelines and resources.
• Market Analysis: Conduct ongoing analysis of industry trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for accessories.
• Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing innovation team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Athlete and Consumer insight: Lead efforts to incorporate an athlete first mentality. Use insights to drive accessories with the goal of giving athletes a competitive advantage. Work closely with consumer insights team to bring market trends to execution.
• Athlete Services: Work Closely with athlete services to ensure that New Balance continues to be the most boutique sports marketing brand in the industry. Work in conjunction with sports marketing and the SRL to make sure our athletes are serviced to the highest level.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in product management, with a focus in the accessories category.
• Deep understanding of bag construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and drive cross-functional teams toward a common goal.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, that include far out deliverables and open-ended briefs. Ability to bring focus to the team and ensure executable projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate market trends and consumer insights into innovative product solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A forward-thinking mindset with a passion for product and a keen eye for design and detail. A mindset of risk taking with a tolerance to fail and learn.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the footwear, apparel and accessory industry, including emerging trends, technologies, and competitive landscape.

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.