Global R&D Operations Specialist

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 R&D Operations Specialist plays a critical role in driving operational excellence across the organization. This role supports the optimization of development processes by ensuring data accuracy, system integrity, and cross-functional alignment. Working closely with Apparel Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, the Center of Excellence, IT, and Global Development teams, this position ensures seamless collaboration and timely, data-driven decision-making.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytically minded, and thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. This role is instrumental in maintaining centralized development processes, supporting discrepancy reviews, and leveraging analytics to identify trends and recommend process improvements that enhance business outcomes.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Drive Seasonal Reporting: Responsible to report all R&D KPI milestones through calendar oversight and proactively collaborating with cross-functional teams and leadership to provide strategic insights and understanding trends.
• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Proactively facilitate effective communication across global teams to drive results and consistency.
• R&D Data and Centralized Documents: Oversee organization, maintenance, and reporting of business metrics using Flex PLM, Excel, and Spotfire, leveraging data analytics to identify trends and insights. Offering insights and implementing improvement plans.
• Optimize Data Accuracy & Reporting: Support statistical tracking, file management, audits, and data, applying analytics to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Clothing & Textiles or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in an apparel-related role.
• Strong understanding of apparel design, development, and production processes.
• Proven ability to manage projects and calendars effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and manage complex, dynamic projects with precision and efficiency. Ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including advanced formulas and VLOOKUP); experience with Spotfire and Flex PLM is 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.