Commercial Planning Manager, EMEA in Warrington

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 Commercial Planning Manager, EMEA will be responsible for executing regional level planning processes to positively influence both market and central commercial plans. Through a Category specific lens, you will lead, create, and drive a culture of cross-functional collaboration, accountability, and a unified ONE NB approach. Combined with a close working relationship with Senior Commercial Planning Manager EMEA, you will be responsible for the delivery of data & reporting solutions across the region, helping complement effective Commercial planning activities. This position is open to candidates based in the UK or Amsterdam.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop, maintain & share EMEA level insights to Brand performance covering Market, Channel & Category views.
• Monitor risks and opportunities at a regional level.
• Develop seasonal guidelines for opportunities to purchase strategic inventory support.
• Support the conversion of the European order book by providing relevant data with context in a timely manner.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the wider regional performance in the category, key customer strategy and business needs – reporting upwards and offering support to markets through key data share touchpoints and clear context.
• Collaborate with Senior Commercial Planning Manager EMEA, Commercial Category leads and Markets to set short-term commercial goals for the category (Y1&Y2).
• Validate key levers & growth enablers for the category.
• Support continuous development of Commercial Planning capabilities and resources.
• Use EMEA level performance insights to form and develop strong relationships with markets & Commercial leads helping drive actions using standardized EMEA processes and procedures.
• Provide a focal point for the markets providing high level category & channel direction.
• Responsible for providing an overall EMEA picture of Brand Health for the category (spanning DTC / WHS & where applicable Distributors) to provide strategic solutions.
• Lead and take part in Sales Planning-related projects (Regionally & Globally).
• Develop effective working cross functional relationships – Finance, Demand Planning, DTC Team and Operations Team.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Lead the execution and maintenance of a central reporting suite across our key reporting platforms: Power BI & MS Excel.
• Responsible for regional centralized reporting, templating, analytics for Commercial Planning.
• Build strong working relationships with BI Leads, IT, Market Planning teams and Senior Commercial Planning Manager EMEA.
• Lead reporting improvements, usage & best practice providing ongoing support, training & documentation.
• Lead data enrichment needs applicable data to the regional commercial function.
• Primary contact for Onboarding partner – SPS commerce.
• Lead and take part in data related projects.
• Key contributor in the vision of Commercial data & reporting needs at Market, Region & Global levels.
• Help champion the creation of a business wide data driven environment, resulting in timely responses to all business needs and concerns.
• Provide a focal point for the market / central requests to filter asks & help resolve complex problems through effective communication.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Previous experience within a similar role.
• Strategic mind-set with the ability to plan and adapt to changing business needs linked to our short- and long-term strategic plans.
• Commercial understanding with the ability to understand customer challenges and support with a solution-based approach.
• Strong listening, influencing and presentation skills.
• Able to influence others in a matrixed structure - diplomatic and able to negotiate solutions calmly and effectively.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise long and short-term objectives.
• Problem solving skills and understanding of root cause analysis methodology and the ability to identify and implement improvement.
• Shows attention to detail, accuracy, and timing with well-developed sense of personal responsibility.
• Degree educated or equivalent experience.
• Highly numerate with the ability to carry out detailed data analysis.
• Experience gained from a wholesale and retail organization would be helpful as would experience in footwear and apparel but not essential.
• Ability to travel as needed.

BENEFITS:

• Benefits will differ based on the location of the associate.
• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours
• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Life Insurance
• On Site Gym
• Employee Discount
• Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

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.