Product Owner - Product Development

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 MISSION:

Product Owner – Product Development

As a Product Owner, you will be pivotal in supporting our global product development team as they look to enhance technology offerings. In this capacity, you will bridge the gap between the development teams and business units, ensuring seamless collaboration. Your focus will be on delivering technological solutions that not only add value but also align with our business lines' strategic goals. You will oversee the entire product lifecycle, from initial discovery and development through to validation, production, and iterative improvement.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILTIES:

• Champion the product vision, strategy, and roadmap product goals and objectives.
• Lead the ideation, development, and launch of Minimum Viable Products and scale them when validated.
• Manage the entire product life cycle from discovery through creation and validation to production and repeat.
• Become a resident expert in our software solutions and business problems, asking the right questions to fully understand the what and the why.
• Breakdown the product vision into user stories, create storyboards, write specifications, prioritize features, build consensus, and coordinate product schedules with a team of engineers and designers.
• Define and analyze metrics that inform the success of products.
• Facilitate communication throughout the development process between internal stakeholders and customers while protecting the freedom and autonomy of the teams.
• Coordinate and build strong working relations with various internal stakeholder groups, including IT, Engineering, and Business.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with within a global organization.
• Familiarity with the design and development processes within the footwear and apparel industry.
• Familiarity with 3D design tools used within footwear and apparel design teams.
• Experience working with PLM technologies is preferred.
• A natural decision-maker who inspires the confidence of those they work with. Has the ability to present their case with confidence.
• Excellent product judgment: You have an in-depth understanding of what makes a user experience good or bad, and strong intuition for what people want to do.
• Problem obsessed: You can identify tangible problems that can be solved through technology solutions and pursue them ruthlessly.
• Strategic insight: You understand the industry in depth and can use your knowledge to influence the behavior of key players.
• Must possess strong understanding of Agile principles and methodologies.
• Leadership: Others naturally look to you for guidance. You understand group dynamics and can organize chaotic situations
• Business case: You understand evaluating business needs and can build a case for products.
• Nimble to deliver for customers: You know how to navigate hurdles and stay focused on great customer experiences working in a lean / agile product development environment.
  
  

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.