New Balance - Operations Manager Footwear - Guangzhou

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. At New Balance, We Got Now.

Job Title:                    Operations Manager

Work Location:          Footwear Factory in Turkey

Direct Manager:         Country Manager – Sourcing China & North Vietnam

Subordinates:            None

Job Description:

Purpose/Key Responsibilities: (Mission/General area of responsibility)

Manages development, commercialization and production activities for assigned factory (ies), ensuring that the company objectives relating to quality, development, delivery, productivity, and Responsible Leadership are met.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create and develop database on Turkey potential footwear sourcing options and associated suppliers for the Turkey market and potential others.

• Select, approve and develop footwear suppliers for Turkey local production to support local distributors demand.

• Management and overseeing of local manufacturing operations by closely monitoring: Specific responsibilities include but is not limited to the following:
  • Setting up standards for footwear quality control management.
  • Leading RSL and Physical tests certifying NB Local footwear production are in compliance with NB global standards.
  • Managing PO`s lead time according to NB global standards.
  • Developing lean manufacturing to benefit local distributor needs.

• Leading local development and commercialization process, which includes:
  • Tech packages transfer globally.
  • Proactive and predictive identification on development and commercialization issues that will affect production and quality.
  • Ensure brand security by technical approval of products for the local markets from 1st proto to confirmation samples.
  • Ensure Turkey Fit test approval for the local markets is aligned with NB fit test team and consistent with NB global shoes.

• Monitor Sourcing data for local manufacturing to capture factory performance and consumer satisfaction, predictable lead time and XFD.

• Integrate Turkey sourcing needs into GLP.

• Factory assignment process revision to identify and decide if a model is a made in Turkey or an Import shoe and provide recommendation on a critical volume shoe, a brand building shoe or a shoe with no significant volume.

• Be a Responsible Leadership ambassador for New Balance, and help to ensure the factory(s) understand and meet the compliance standards defined by the brand.

• Regional Factory CSR initial pre assessments to assist the CSR team on potential new vendors.

• Communicates and commits to clear standards that meet and exceed customer expectations for the entire product development and production process in the assigned factory(ies) in the areas of:

Quality Delivery Development Materials Labor , Health, Safety and Environment (Code of Conduct) and ensures all standards and disciplines are fully applied and maintained.

• Collaborates with other departments by getting actively involved with key product and service issues.

• Understands and implements the company mission and works closely with other departments (Planning, Order Management, Costing, Materials, Chemist, Development, Administration…), maintaining an emphasis on product, performance and integrity.
• Empower the factory to fulfil their responsibility as a New Balance supplier.
• Ensures business relationships between New Balance and the assigned factory(ies) and suppliers are maintained at the highest level of trust and integrity.

• Is fully aware of factors likely to impact factory performance and keeps Country Management and Functional Heads informed.

• Builds loyal, mutually beneficial strategic partnerships through teamwork and collaboration with factories and suppliers.

• Continuously explores and drives for innovation through revolutionary and evolutionary changes in fields of production & development.

Requisite Education/Experience:

• Diploma or degree from educational entity focusing on shoemaking, business administration or engineering 

• At least 6 years of progressive experience in the Footwear industry

• Experience in Footwear Development, Commercialization and Production.

• First management experience, including directing and motivating others, developing and building effective team

• Fluent English skills

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 hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while providing high levels of flexibility to associates. North American office-based associates are expected to come into the office on Wednesdays, with other occasional in-office days for in-person meetings and events as needed. Our offices are fully open and amenities are available across our North American office locations.

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.