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:
As New Balance accelerates its investment in cleated sports, we are strengthening our global capabilities to support continued growth and industry leadership in quality, innovation, and performance. We are seeking a senior leader to establish and build our Cleated Center of Excellence in Indonesia, a critical hub for technical product development.
Based in Indonesia, the Head of Cleated Development will lead the development of technical cleated products, partnering closely with New Balance headquarters and Asia‑based suppliers to deliver world‑class cleated footwear that meets our performance, quality, and innovation standards.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Leads cleated development in a manner that adds value to product and services
Manages projects effectively to deliver results on time, at the expected quality levels and within target costs.
Acts as a best practice owner for cleated, maintaining documented build standards, driving adoption with T1 teams, and facilitating regular update sessions
Drives Phase Review Reports to a publishable standard; define inspection criteria for sales samples & promo; ensure on-time, right-first-time shipments.
Implements a structured product risk review incorporating competitor benchmarking, prior NB learnings, weartesting, and lab results; document override rationales when required.
Maintain ongoing alignment with Lean and Quality teams, translating manufacturing learnings into development changes where needed.
Attends key Commercialization gates for priority cleated programs and partner on targeted Production visits to protect development intent.
Identifies emerging manufacturing techniques for cleated, partnering with Process Engineers to document for scale; support Flex Supply Chain efforts to match product performance across multiple T1s.
Builds loyal, mutually beneficial strategic partnerships through teamwork and collaboration both with internal stakeholders and with factories / suppliers
Empowers & inspires suppliers to fulfil their responsibilities as New Balance partners.
Ensures business relationships between New Balance and the assigned factory(ies) and suppliers are maintained at the highest level of trust and integrity.
REQUIREMENTS OF SUCCESS:
At least 7 years' experience in branded athletic cleated development with a strong "product eye" for aesthetics and core functionality of products
Full understanding of technical and material requirements of various Cleated categories (Knowledge of Cleated Sports)
Full technical shoemaking knowledge of lasts, patterns, materials
Thorough understanding of blueprints, molding and molded components, especially injection molded plates.
Full understanding of core components of costing: LOP, Materials, Tooling Amortization, Volume, Pattern, Construction and process features that drive cost.
Ability to work effectively with all NB systems (i.e. Flex PLM) to document projects.
The ability to diplomatically, objectively and firmly represent both brand interests and supplier concerns to deliver optimum results.
Strong leadership skills including strong indirect management skills (ability to influence key stakeholders across the functional spectrum)
Strong problem-solving skills, ideally using formal tools such as DMAIC and 8D
Living and working in Indonesia.
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.