Senior Performance Running Footwear Designer

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.

ABOUT US:

At New Balance, we are driven by a passion for innovation, performance, and design excellence. Our Performance Running Design Team is dedicated to delivering running experiences that help athletes go faster, go farther, and truly enjoy the act of running. Join us in our mission to inspire and empower runners around the world.

WHY NEW BALANCE?

At New Balance, we believe in empowering our people and athletes to achieve their best. We provide an inclusive, collaborative, and creative environment that encourages entrepreneurship and growth. Join us to be a part of an iconic brand and help us define the future of running.

JOB MISSION:

As a Senior Performance Running Footwear Designer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of running footwear at New Balance. You will work with a highly collaborative, cross-functional team to create the next generation of performance running shoes, driven by insights into the needs and desires of modern runners. This role demands an innovative mindset, a passion for experimentation, and a deep understanding of the running community, market trends, and consumer behaviors.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead Design Direction: Drive the development of new design language and concepts that push the boundaries of performance footwear. Use your creativity to experiment with new materials, forms, and technologies to create the future high-performance running shoes.
• Consumer-Centric Approach: Understand and anticipate the needs of the modern runner, creating designs that enhance their running experience by offering improved comfort, speed, and endurance.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Work closely with other designers, engineers, developers, and marketers to ensure the successful execution of designs from concept to production. Your input will be crucial in influencing the direction of the entire team.
• Trend Awareness: Stay informed about current trends in both running and fashion, ensuring designs align with the evolving tastes and needs of athletes while maintaining New Balance's authentic brand identity.
• Long-Term Vision: Lead projects that involve longer timelines for more thorough exploration, testing, and validation. You will ensure that each design is optimized for performance, quality, durability, and style.
• Market Knowledge: Stay abreast of industry developments and trends within the running and sports footwear markets. Understand what competitors are doing and help New Balance stay ahead of the curve.
• Testing & Experimentation: Embrace a mindset of constant iteration, experimenting with new ideas and gathering feedback from athletes to refine designs.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Proven experience in footwear design, specifically in the performance running space.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating your design skills and innovative approach to performance-driven footwear.
• Deep understanding of the running market, trends, and the needs of athletes.
• Strong conceptual skills with the ability to create and communicate design ideas through sketches, 3D models, renderings, and prototypes.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence and inspire others.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Passion for experimentation and exploration in design.
• Ability to work within long-term project timelines, focusing on thorough research, testing, and validation.
• Knowledge of technical footwear construction and materials.
• Highly developed skills in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Gravity Sketch, Vizcom.
• Assist in leading a small team of footwear designers.
• Some domestic and international travel.
• Work in a hybrid mode, in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  

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.