Merchandiser (Apparel ADS)

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Apparel Merchandiser ADS manages New Balance Korea's lifestyle Apparel strategy end-to-end. Especially for Asia Design Studio(ADS) Collection. You will work closely with ADS Designer and merchandiser for developing Asia localized products. You'll be the bridge between global brand direction and local market execution—driving assortments that balance commercial performance with cultural credibility across all channels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Merchandise Planning & Strategy

• Own the end-to-end merchandise planning process for the Apparel & Accessories (APP & ACC) categories in the Korean market.
• Own seasonal buy planning and range selection processes in alignment with the APAC GTM

calendar and regional assortment strategy.

• Work closely with the regional team to align product strategies and seasonal direction.
• Identify local market opportunities and propose merchandising solutions to optimize brand
• Focus on PLM and market strategy to collaborate with Retail Planning team to enable effective buying and allocation.

Consumer & Channel Strategy

• Build differentiated, consumer-right assortments, fashion-forward consumers, and everyday wearers
• Design channel-specific strategies for DTC, Wholesale, Sports Category Specially and E-Commerce
• Lead account-specific range planning and Special Make-Up (SMU) brief creation for Asia Creation Center (ACC)

Product Lifecycle Management

• Oversee product lifecycles ensuring SKU productivity, margin optimization, and price integrity
• Coordinate sample management, timeline tracking, and launch readiness for franchises and local collaborations
• Manage carryover efficiency and product transition strategies to maximize profitability

Consumer & Market Insight

• Monitor consumer behavior, fashion trends, and market dynamics to develop relevant and

competitive product assortments.

• Gather and share insights on competitor activity and market shifts to influence local strategies.
• Actively contributes consumer and market feedback to regional teams to support brand and

commercial decisions.

Merchandising Operations

• Coordinate with Footwear Merchandising and other categories to ensure cohesive product

storytelling and assortment synergy.

• Manage SKU data, pricing structures, and margin analysis in line with corporate systems and
• Organize and lead product review sessions, sample management, and internal WIP (work-inprogress) meetings.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Global HQ, APAC Regional, and Local teams across Product, Marketing, Sales, Planning, and Finance
• Present category strategies and GTM plans to internal stakeholders and key retail partners
• Drive alignment on forecast, inventory plans, and campaign execution across all touchpoints

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• 5–7 years in Merchandising (Apparel preferred) or Product Management (global sportswear/lifestyle brand preferred)
• Proven success managing franchises, collaborations, and seasonal lifecycles
• People management experience required
• High proficiency in MS office (Especially, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Deep understanding of fashion trends, and color/material sensibilities
• Excellent storytelling and presentation skills in Korean and English
• Strategic thinker with commercial instincts and attention to detail

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Who You Are Culturally curious / Commercially minded / Strategic storyteller / Detail-oriented / Cross-functional collaborator / Data-informed intuition / Brand guardian / Trend spotter / Resilient / Authentically passionate about Apparel

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location: Seoul Anguk, Korea / Department: Merchandising / Reports to: Merchandising APP Team Manager

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.