Summary
About this role
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.
Area of responsibility includes 10+ stores in metro Chicago, metro Washington D.C., Virginia, Michigan and Delaware.
We'd prefer this DM be based in/near Chicago.
JOB MISSION:
The District Manager, Inline Stores is responsible for leading a portfolio of full-priced locations to achieve sales goals, drive operational excellence, foster a customer first culture, while elevating brand standards. This role drives business performance through strategic leadership, talent development, and visual merchandising execution across the district. The ideal candidate will have previous multi-unit experience, leading eight or more stores in a fast-paced, high-profile market.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Store Operations & Driving Results
Establish plans that drive sales to achieve budget by fostering a service obsessed environment, prioritizing customer engagement and merchandise presentation.
Analyze the business to drive KPI results and build strategies to optimize business outcomes.
Operate with an ownership mindset, assessing business metrics through market/store performance reviews with the team to positively impact the P&L.
Drive operational efficiency through inventory control, expense and payroll management.
Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and operational efficiency.
Ensure compliance with company policies and local regulations, including safety and security programs.
Leadership & Talent
Lead, coach, and develop Store Managers to build high-performing teams and an engaging work environment.
Build a talent pipeline to support associate aspirations and future business growth.
Ensure training, coaching, and development are in place to deliver elevated customer experience through selling skills and product knowledge.
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
Collaborate cross-functionally with key business partners to identify and solve business challenges.
Know your market. Build relationships that foster an ability to promote and strengthen brand awareness within your district.
Model core values and support Store Managers by fostering an environment of coaching and feedback through in-store visits, touch-bases and development conversations.
Contribute to regional business planning and process improvement strategies.
Visual Merchandising
Oversee the implementation of visual merchandising strategies and standards to align with brand campaigns, seasonal transitions and product launches, including floor layouts, window displays, mannequin styling and fixtures.
Train and guide Store Managers and associates on visual merchandising standards and best practices.
Positively impact sales and margin through execution of visual merchandising and aligning with business partners to make adjustments, driving business performance.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
Progressive multi-unit leadership experience, ideally in footwear, apparel, or specialty retail.
Bachelor’s degree in business, retail or related experience.
Proven success in leading teams, driving sales and executing visual merchandising strategies.
Experience modeling and instilling an elevated customer experience.
Passion for innovation, and brand story telling.
Proven ability to develop, promote, and retain top talent
Strong business acumen; including, retail math and P&L responsibility
50% travel required. Ability work weekends and evenings when necessary based on business needs. On average, visiting stores three days per week
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.
Other facts
About New Balance
In 1906, New Balance began as a humble one-man operation founded on the belief that “we were born to move,” and has since grown into an international corporation, selling footwear and apparel in over 120 countries and employing over 14,000 associates worldwide. Our mission has always been to support the performance of athletes, and with an unparalleled focus on quality and craftsmanship, we’ve come to set the standard for comfort and fit in an industry all too often driven by hype.
We’re incredibly proud of our history and how far we’ve come, but companies don’t thrive for over a century by being content.
Whether it’s setting a new style trend, retooling our manufacturing process, or building a new state-of-the-art headquarters, we pursue innovation with a spirit of fearless independence. As the only privately held major footwear company in the world, we’re free to do things our way, pushing limits and testing boundaries as we continually reimagine what could be. After all, the status quo isn’t static.
But doing things our way wouldn’t mean much if we weren’t also doing them the right way. We invest in our associates as they invest in us, and as we move forward, we make a point of giving back, supporting communities around us through ambitious philanthropic efforts and involvement programs. We are a company that cares, and our culture is one of integrity and teamwork where together we become greater than the sum of our parts.
What you'll do
- The District Manager is responsible for leading multiple full-priced locations to achieve sales goals and drive operational excellence. This includes fostering a customer-first culture and elevating brand standards through strategic leadership and talent development.
Ready to join New Balance?
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