Senior Technical Lead, Product Development

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:
This role is accountable for leading and managing the total quality, fit, performance, functionality, and cost of assigned projects within US Football. You will leverage project management tools to ensure timely execution and delivery aligned with seasonal milestones. By interpreting product briefs, you will provide technical direction to ensure products meet or exceed competitive benchmarks in areas critical to elite athletes and consumers. This includes utilizing Development Plans, DFMEAs, and other product validation tools. As the technical lead, you will drive innovation and elevate technical expertise within the consumer segment or product component. Your insights will be regularly sought by cross-functional teams, and you will serve as the key decision-maker for upper construction and sole development. You will guide teams to meet performance standards and ensure timely product execution. Acting as a bridge between Innovation and In-Line teams, you will facilitate the integration of new constructions, sole technologies, and processes. In collaboration with Category Management, you will apply knowledge of global business, competitive landscape, costing, and manufacturability to develop impactful, market-ready products, lines, and categories. Staying current on industry trends, technologies, and competitor advancements is essential to your success in this role.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Overall responsibility for the Football category of product development activities through production.
• Manage projects from Initiation through Buy Ready and follows through successful retail launch.
• Drives the planning and execution of 3D CAD engineering activities to meet commercialization and production timelines.
• Responsible for creating, implementing and execution of product validation plans for tier 1 and tier 2 projects.
• Drives technical solutions and ensures that decisions balance costing, profitability, manufacturability, design, market factors and on time delivery.
• Understands molding and associated costs ie. When to use, how to use, correct use of all specified materials for uppers, midsoles, and knowing the impact of molds.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree, Engineering degree a plus
• Minimum of 15 years' development experience; 10 years' footwear; proven engineering expertise. Strong problem-solving skills (Lean Six Sigma, Creative Problem Solving, PMP)
• Strong Project Management skills
• Strong understanding of wear test data, technical drawings, injection molding and production processes, materials, and patterns.
• Knowledge of the footwear industry, costing, manufacturing, shoe making, and sourcing
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to interact/communicate at a high level with NB leadership and NB sponsored athletes.
• Some Asia travel is 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 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.