NA Inventory Optimization Analyst

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:

The Inventory Optimization Analyst plays a central and critical role within the North America region, overseeing essential elements of the end-to end Inventory Planning process. This role focuses on optimizing inventory across the entire supply chain, from purchase order placement to warehouse delivery, inclusive of supply rebalancing and liquidation strategies. Additionally, this role will be responsible for calibrating those various inventory related activities into relatable and actionable actions.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Create and manage an Inventory "Control Tower" using existing data and reporting
• Develop and manage Footwear, Apparel, and Accessory inventory forecasts and supply levels across our entire distribution network, ensuring operational efficiency at each location while meeting customer needs
• Analyze end to end finished good lead times, from overseas factory production to purchase order receipt at our local ports and distribution centers, to partner with Global Logistics on systemic lead times
• Monitor global factory capacity allocation plans, ensuring regional and market needs are in line with global production capacities
• Deliver insights into regional buy recommendations to support capacity planning and long-term operational goals
• Monitor inventory levels through its various stages, including inbound and outbound shipments, to ensure efficient optimization to achieve our operational goals
• Summarize purchase decisions following all key buy milestones, to provide insights on market and product distribution and how that lies back to our long rang plan
• Provide reporting and insights into the health of our inventory through a product lifecycle perspective, playing a key role in our regional liquidation efforts

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Four-year college degree and a minimum of 3-5 years related experience
• Must have knowledge of the industry, sales process, demand planning, inventory planning and item life cycle management
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Robust interpersonal skills with an emphasis on problem solving, conflicting objectives, and dealing with multiple customers and various priorities
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and manage time, multiple tasks, and deadlines effectively
• Recommend business process and system functionality enhancements within evolving business model through adoption of a digital mindset and leveraging new technology
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc
• Experience with Microsoft D365, o9 and/or Spotfire, a plus
• APICS Certification, a plus

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.