Footwear Merchandiser (Lifestyle)

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Support the execution of New Balance Korea's seasonal lifestyle footwear strategy. Work alongside the Senior Merchandiser to plan assortments, coordinate GTM operations, and analyze business performance. Perfect for someone passionate about sneaker culture, data, and creative collaboration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Own end-to-end line planning for assigned categories (e.g., Kids, Collaborations, specific price tiers)—from range adoption through pricing, SKU optimization, and post-launch evaluation
• Create and maintain Visual Line Plans across all GTM gates, ensuring alignment with Senior Merchandiser's overall strategy
• Develop demand forecasts in collaboration with Planning and Supply Chain to optimize inventory health
• Support Senior Merchandiser in seasonal line planning for core lifestyle categories

Channel & Consumer Strategy

• Lead account-specific assortment planning for assigned wholesale partners or e-commerce channels
• Design and execute channel strategies for designated accounts, balancing brand positioning with commercial goals
• Own Special Make-Up (SMU) brief creation and coordination with Asia Creation Center (ACC)
• Prepare operational GTM materials (line sheets, product specifications, launch timelines) and validate product accuracy for retail and online launches

Franchise & Collaboration Support

• Manage complete lifecycle for assigned franchises or collaboration projects, including SKU productivity tracking, timeline management, and launch execution
• Coordinate sample management across all franchises, ensuring on-time delivery and quality standards
• Lead carryover analysis and recommendations to maximize profitability
• Maintain product documentation including franchise briefs, technical specifications, and sample archives

Business Analysis & Reporting

• Own weekly business analysis for assigned categories—tracking sell-in, sell-through, margin, and inventory productivity by channel and SKU
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and compile market intelligence reports
• Monitor market trends and consumer feedback to inform assortment decisions and seasonal recommendations

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Communicate directly with Global HQ and APAC Regional teams on GTM timelines, product specifications, and market feedback for owned categories
• Lead coordination meetings for assigned franchises/accounts with Marketing, Sales, and Planning teams
• Develop strategic presentation materials (business cases, category reviews, performance decks) to support Senior Merchandiser
• Maintain shared resources including merchandising calendars, process documentation, and cross-functional trackers

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• 4–6 years in Merchandising, buying or Product Management (Footwear preferred, global sportswear/fashion brand preferred)
• Proven success managing franchises, collaborations, and seasonal lifecycles
• High proficiency in MS office (Especially, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Deep understanding of sneaker culture, fashion trends, and color/material sensibilities
• Excellent storytelling and presentation skills in Korean and English
• Strategic thinker with commercial instincts and attention to detail

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Who You Are Eager learner with growth mindset / Meticulous executor / Proactive team player / Detail-focused / Digitally native / Genuine sneaker enthusiast / Adaptable to change / Seeks feedback actively / Collaborative supporter / Positive energy / Accountable / Curious about cross-functional processes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location: Seoul, Korea / Department: Merchandising / Reports to: Merchandising Lifestyle FW Senior Merchandiser

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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 and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

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