Sr Operations Specialist, Global Sample Management

Responsible for coordinating cross-functional efforts to execute on-time Sample PO releases to manufacturing partners. Responsible for all activities related to New Balance Sample purchase order placement and confirmation while ensuring suppliers adhere to New Balance Sample order management guidelines and achieve designated KPIs, including but not limited to x-factory performance and PO data management. Act as the primary internal liaison to cross-functional teams, including Customer Service, Development, Sourcing, and Operations, to ensure both New Balance and customer requirements are accurately executed at the factory PO level.

This role performs work that supports company objectives, strategic initiatives, and operational goals; work is reviewed for quality, accuracy, and sound judgment. In this role you will apply industry knowledge, best practices, techniques, and established processes to effectively manage order execution activities.

This position operates as a key cross-functional partner, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners to develop solutions to issues of complexity, impact, and risk. Success in the role requires a strong sense of ownership, action-oriented problem solving, adaptability in a dynamic business environment, and a commitment to delivering meaningful results.

• Execute Sample PO releases and ensure timely order placement and confirmation.
• Review delivery status and proactively identify risks to committed timelines.
• Review weekly exceptions and drive timely resolution with suppliers and internal partners.
• Work closely with suppliers, OM teams, and cross-functional partners to communicate issues, drive resolution, and ensure stakeholder alignment.
• Provide timely visibility of risks, exceptions, and performance trends to appropriate teams.
• Build and maintain trusted partnerships across functions and with external manufacturing partners to support shared business objectives.
• Serve as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for Sample PO Management processes.
• Participate in and/or lead cross-functional projects that support strategic business objectives.
• Participate in weekly and monthly KPI reporting, analysis, and performance reviews.
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives related to PO management and cross-functional business activities.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in a fast-paced planning and/or purchasing environment preferred.
• On hands experience developing and implementing supply chain process improvements.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills
• Supervisory skills preferred Computer skills including Microsoft Office (WORD, EXCEL, etc.), ERP systems, Diver, xPC, etc.

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.

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.