Apparel Design Director, Performance Running, Sport & Athlete

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 Design Director of Performance Running, Sport & Athlete at New Balance will serve as a key creative leader, instrumental in shaping the future of the brand's athlete-driven and performance apparel. Blending innovation with cultural relevance, this role will elevate New Balance's global presence across Running, Training, and Competition.

The Design Director will define the next generation of performance apparel, driving growth and brand influence through visionary design and strategic partnerships. From leading the creative development of collections for signature athletes, Running and Sport & Athlete lines, this role will establish a distinctive aesthetic that resonates across sport and culture. Additionally, the Design Director will lead the visual and functional identity for Tennis, crafting compelling narratives and delivering commercial success.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Creative Vision & Design Leadership:

• Define and execute a clear design vision for Running, Sport & Athlete apparel, ensuring alignment with New Balance's brand identity and the evolving needs of athletes and consumers.

• Develop the Running and Sport & Athlete Design DNA, establishing a cohesive aesthetic and performance-driven approach across all sport categories.

• Collaborate with key partners, to create collections that blend performance innovation with cultural influence.

Athlete & Sport-Specific Category Development:

• Oversee the design direction for sport-driven collections, including Tennis, Training, and Bukatsu, ensuring each category delivers a unique and compelling consumer proposition.

• Partner with sports marketing and athlete teams to translate athlete insights into high-performance driven apparel.

• Drive innovation in materials, construction, and silhouettes to enhance product differentiation and market leadership in performance design.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner closely with Merchandising, Development, and Marketing to ensure cohesive storytelling and commercial alignment.

• Work alongside Innovation and Materials teams to integrate cutting-edge performance technologies into Running, training, and competition apparel.

• Collaborate closely with the Sports Research Lab (SRL) and the Fit & Wear team to validate performance through data-driven insights and athlete testing.

• Engage with Athlete Product teams to refine fit, function, and performance details, ensuring products meet the highest standards of quality and comfort.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and inspire a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Provide mentorship, creative direction, and career development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.

• Drive a consumer-first mindset within the design team, ensuring all collections resonate with target audiences.

Innovation & Trend Awareness:

• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, athlete needs, and cultural shifts in sports and fashion.

• Identify and integrate new materials, sustainability initiatives, and performance innovations that elevate New Balance's design credibility.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 10+ years of experience in apparel design, with a strong background in performance apparel, with a focus Running and Sport and athlete-driven collections.

• Proven ability to build and execute a compelling design vision that balances innovation, aesthetics, and commercial viability.

• Experience designing for top-tier athletes and partnerships, ensuring authenticity and alignment with their performance and lifestyle needs.

• Deep understanding of performance materials, construction techniques, and training apparel trends.

• Creative & Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop a clear, impactful design strategy that drives brand differentiation.

• Athlete & Consumer Focused: Strong ability to translate athlete insights and consumer behaviors into compelling apparel collections.

• Collaboration & Influence: Proven track record of working cross-functionally with Merchandising, Development, and Marketing to bring designs to market successfully.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Experience leading design teams, fostering talent development, and building a high-performing creative culture.

• Executional Excellence: Ability to manage multiple projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.

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.