Sr. Material Planner, Apparel Global Planning

Job description

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 Sr. Material Planner is responsible for developing and executing global material plans that support apparel demand, production requirements, and product launch objectives while minimizing material liability and inventory risk. This role translates global forecasts, customer demand, and manufacturing constraints into actionable material strategies, ensuring material availability across the supply chain. Success in this role requires strong analytical capabilities, data-driven decision making, and effective cross-functional collaboration to optimize inventory investment, supplier commitments, and service performance. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: Develop and maintain global material plans utilizing line plans, forecasts, BOMs, production schedules, and demand signals to ensure material availability and support business objectives. Manage the material commitment process, balancing service levels, launch readiness, and inventory investments while minimizing material liability and excess inventory exposure. Analyze global demand trends, forecast variability, supplier constraints, lead times, and material consumption to identify risks and drive proactive planning decisions. Create and maintain material supply plans that align sourcing, manufacturing, and inventory strategies with global supply chain requirements. Monitor material shortages, excess inventory, and potential supply disruptions; develop mitigation plans and drive issue resolution with cross-functional partners and suppliers. Facilitate the material liability management process by providing visibility into financial exposure, excess inventory, and consumption opportunities while collaborating with Finance and key business stakeholders. Evaluate material performance and planning metrics to identify trends, improve forecast accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and enhance planning processes. Lead and support strategic material planning initiatives, process improvements, and business transformation projects related to inventory management and supply chain optimization. REQUIRMENTS FOR SUCCESS: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Logistics, or related field and/or 5+ years of experience in material planning, supply planning, inventory management, sourcing, or supply chain operations. Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret large data sets, identify trends, assess business impacts, and translate insights into actionable planning decisions supporting a global supply chain. Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills, including forecasting, inventory optimization, risk analysis, and scenario planning. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships across sourcing, production, logistics, finance, and supplier teams. Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, ERP/MRP systems, and business intelligence tools with strong data mining and reporting capabilities. Boston, MA 80 Guest Street Only Pay Range: $82,000.00 - $105,800.00 - $129,600.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.) 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.