Visual Merchandising Associate Manager

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 Visual Merchandising Associate Manager supports the execution and planning of visual merchandising and space planning for New Balance Owned Inline Stores across North America. This role collaborates closely with the North America Visual Merchandising team, Global Visual Merchandising, and Field Team Leads to bring seasonal retail experience strategies to life across various store formats. This position plays a critical role in supporting the execution of visual merchandising strategies and creative direction across Inline Stores.

The Associate Manager will assist in developing seasonal visual merchandising plans tailored to the NA Inline channel, support new store openings, and contribute to the execution of brand retail experience strategies. This includes managing visual merchandising calendars, coordinating with the VM Operations team to order campaign components, briefing creative needs, and supporting installations and special projects, which may require travel (up to 30%) and occasional nights and weekends.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Visual Merchandising

• Support monthly floorset planning and in-store visual layouts for seasonal assortments across Inline Store formats. Provide in-season merchandising directive support and assist with sell-down strategies to optimize product presentation and inventory flow.

• Assist in providing zoning, fixture, and mannequin placement direction.

• Collaborate with regional buying team to understand assortments and align communication to stores.

• Collaborate with Store Planning and Retail Design on fixture rollouts and updates for new store openings and product launches.

• Participate in store visits and setups, with or without the VM team, to support visual execution and training.

• Assist in dressing and styling mannequins to reflect seasonal trends and brand standards.

• Attend weekly cross-functional meetings and communicate key messages from Merchandising, Allocation, and Marketing back to the VM team.

Creative Support

• Brief window and in-store creative needs for the Creative and Operations teams.

• Manage distribution lists and collateral needs for seasonal campaigns and new store openings.

• Support the execution of elevated marketing and creative projects in-store.

• Act as a brand ambassador, ensuring seamless integration of brand strategies across the Inline Store channel.

• Maintain focus on the consumer target, competition, and current trends relevant to the New Balance brand.

• Possess a clear understanding of NB Brand guidelines and their adaptation for consumer-facing channels.

Business & Development

• Leverage data, sell-thru results, and key investments to inform presentation strategies.

• Assist with workshops and training sessions (virtual and in-person) to educate store teams on visual merchandising and creative techniques.

• Support the development of new training tools and resources for store teams, including the creation and communication of updated directives that reinforce in-season management practices, visual merchandising standards, and effective sell-down strategies.

• Stay informed on competitive landscape and brand-relevant trends; provide monthly recaps and insights.

Relationships

• Build effective cross-functional working relationships, influencing and collaborating seamlessly.

• Train and develop store teams on New Balance Brand aesthetic and VM best practices.

• Evaluate, evolve, and adapt processes as necessary to navigate the ever-changing retail climate.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 3+ years of experience in retail visual merchandising and retail store design, with 2-4 years at the corporate level.

• Bachelor degree or equivalent experience in fashion design, visual merchandising, or retail marketing/management.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); familiarity with SketchUp, IWD, or other 3D rendering tools preferred.

• Strong visual design skills with a background in retail, visual, or merchandising.

• Ability to visualize and articulate 3D concepts using VM software for floorset creation (IWD)

• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite.

• Excellent taste level in styling, fixture design, and store layout.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and listening skills.

• High attention to detail, accuracy, and a sense of urgency.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities; able to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

• Creative and innovative thinker with a passion for visual storytelling.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Team-oriented with the ability to work cross-functionally across all levels of the organization.

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 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, or any other protected status.