Global Materials Strategic Sourcing Lead - Footwear - #255999

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 Global Materials Strategic Sourcing Lead - Footwear will be a supporting role accountable for driving an effective Materials Sourcing Strategy for Global Footwear, harnessing strong, dynamic cross-functional teamwork to drive strategic initiatives.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support the formulation, implementation, and execution of global raw material supplier and sourcing strategies with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Act as the US counterpart to the Asia-based Material Sourcing Team, collaborating on all shared initiatives and ensuring seamless alignment across regions.
• Identify and translate business opportunities into robust and actionable short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategic plans for materials that support achieving business objectives related to cost, quality, delivery, sustainability, and responsible leadership.
• Lead ongoing material supplier and raw material portfolio optimization work with a focus on improving performance and reducing complexity.
• Establish and manage key performance metrics related to raw material supplier and material performance in the areas of delivery, quality, cost, speed, and efficiency, as well as other measures critical to the success of the strategic plan.
• Build strategic relationships with internal cross-functional stakeholders and external strategic material and manufacturing partners to achieve mission-critical deliverables and drive improved performance.
• Report the status of the strategic plan and KPIs to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and visibility to performance (actuals vs. goals) as well as the status of improvement initiatives.
• Lead and support continuous improvement activities in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders such as Supply Planning, Material Development, Sustainability, and Product Development teams, as well as with external manufacturing partners, to create efficiencies, reduce cost, and improve service.
• Support cross-functional teams in communicating and resolving material production issues as required.
  
  

REQUIREMENT FOR SUCCESS:

• 5+ years of professional experience in supplier management, material planning, analytics, project management, and risk management, as well as strategic planning and operational execution.
• Ability to collaborate, influence, and inspire cross-functional teams to deliver positive operational results within tight timelines.
• Ability to manage complex business issues and multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, goals-oriented, time-sensitive environment.
• Experience in negotiating with internal and external strategic partners and stakeholders.
• Experience working across organizational and cultural boundaries, driving continuous improvement, and leading major change programs that have positively impacted the business.
• Experience with material sourcing/development preferred.
• Limited international travel required.
  
  

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.