Footwear Merchandiser (Performance)

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 and execute New Balance Korea's performance footwear strategy for sports categories. Own designated performance segments while supporting Senior Merchandiser in building category leadership. This role requires passion for sports, analytical rigor, and collaborative execution skills to help grow New Balance's performance credibility in Korea's expanding performance market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Category Planning & Business Development

• Develop annual business plans for assigned sport defining growth targets, athlete programs, and retail expansion strategies
• Own seasonal line planning including range selection, pricing strategy, and Visual Line Plan creation aligned with Global & APAC performance BU direction
• Build demand forecasts integrating sport calendar (season timing, tournaments, off-season), competitive launches, and retail partner input

Product Strategy & Channel Execution

• Execute go-to-market plans for assigned sport—managing distribution strategy, account-specific assortments, and retail partner negotiations
• Build position-specific product ranges (e.g., pitcher/infield/outfield cleats for Baseball; guard/forward footwear for Basketball) balancing athlete needs with margin targets
• Create Special Make-Up (SMU) briefs coordinating with Asia Creation Center on customization and exclusivity
• Manage end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned franchises—coordinating sample timelines, managing athlete wear-tests, and executing launch readiness across channels

Performance Analysis & Competitive Intelligence

• Track weekly sell-in/sell-through by SKU and channel, leading monthly business reviews with data-driven insights and actionable recommendations
• Conduct competitive analysis monitoring rival brand launches, pricing moves, athlete signings, and technology innovations in assigned sport

Market Storytelling & Community Building

• Translate technical features (cleat patterns, cushioning systems, traction compounds) into athlete benefit stories for retail training and marketing campaigns
• Execute community engagement programs—coordinating athlete seeding (targeting 30-50 local athletes), organizing wear-test sessions, and activating at sport events/tournaments
• Prepare technical education materials (product comparison charts, performance benefit guides, biomechanics explainers) for retail staff and internal teams

Cross-Functional Coordination & Global Communication

• Present quarterly business reviews sharing performance vs. plan, community feedback highlights, and strategic recommendations for assigned sport
• Communicate directly with Global & APAC Performance BU teams on GTM timelines, product specifications, local market requirements, and community insights from Korea
• Coordinate with Marketing on performance campaigns, Sales on retail execution, Sports Marketing on athlete partnerships, and Planning on inventory management

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• 4–6 years in Merchandising (Footwear preferred) or Category Management (global sports brand preferred)
• Proven execution capability in line planning, forecasting, or assortment management
• Strong analytical skills—proficient in Excel, data analysis, and business intelligence tools
• High proficiency in MS office (Especially, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication skills in Korean and English for cross-functional and global collaboration

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Who You Are Performance enthusiast / Learning-oriented / Execution-focused / Runner passionate / Analytically minded / Detail-obsessed / Community connected / Collaborative supporter / Quality conscious / Proactive communicator / Technically curious / Commercially aware

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location: Seoul, Korea / Department: Merchandising / Reports to: Merchandising FW Team Manager

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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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