Color Design Lead, Performance Run & Run Energy

New Balance Athletics, Inc.
medical insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, short term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Massachusetts, Brighton
May 02, 2025
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 a Color Design Lead you will play a critical role in shaping the future of running footwear at New Balance. You will work with a highly collaborative, cross-functional team to create the next generation of performance running shoes, driven by insights into the needs and desires of modern runners. This role demands a passion for running culture, style, and a deep understanding of the running community, market trends and consumer behaviors. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: LEAD COLOR DIRECTION Relying on knowledge of all sports and a high level of taste, inform seasonal brand color palette creation and color direction. Oversee seasonal color direction, color application & tech pack creation for PERFORMANCE RUN product, including in-line, energy and events CONSUMER CENTRIC APPROACH Understand and anticipate the mindset of the modern runner, what influences them, and what drives their taste and preferences. Create on-brand color direction that speaks to runners sense of style AND performance COLLABORATIVE TEAMWORK Share knowledge and insights freely with the broader color and design team, seek their perspectives on the categories you work on. Listen, understand and respond thoughtfully to business direction. TREND AWARENESS Partner with Concept team to adapt concept direction to product. Inspire and influence the teams you work with to approach color design from culturally relevant, forward-thinking perspectives Show an understanding of market trends, new releases and how NB should evolve as strategic leader in the space. ATTENTION TO DETAIL Partner with footwear design, materials design and development to gain a thorough mastery of color application for each of the models. See color application through from concept to creation to ensure the highest-quality product execution achievable REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS: Proven experience in footwear and/or apparel, ideally in the performance running or fashion space. Strong portfolio demonstrating your ability to lead Seasonal Creative Direction, including concept, color, materials, finish & graphics Deep understanding of the running market, trends and the culture of running. Ability to translate business goals into strategic color direction across multiple product categories Experience with visual merchandising and planning retail color flow Collaborative team player with the ability to influence and inspire others. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Unwavering attention to timelines, deadlines and deliverables Highly developed skills in design software such as Adobe Illustrator Work in a hybrid mode, in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 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.