Assortment Planner
New Balance · Seoul
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.
POSITION SUMMARY
As the Assortment Planner, Online & E-commerce, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the digital success and sustained growth of New Balance Korea. You will combine data-driven insights with an intuitive understanding of online consumer behavior, digital commerce trends, and the evolving e-commerce landscape.
In this elevated role, your mission will be to develop and execute refined digital assortment plans that are aligned with e-commerce business objectives and financial goals. You will ensure the right product mix across our owned channels (Brand.com) and key marketplace partners, optimizing conversion and digital engagement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Open to Buy management
- Lead seasonal Open-to-Buy plans specifically tailored for digital channels, aligned with e-commerce financial targets and global direction.
- Steer buying strategies align with financial goals across all digital touchpoints (Web, Mobile App, Third-party Platforms), minimizing overstocks while capitalizing on high-traffic digital events and product drops.
- Optimize the use of OTB Plan to react quickly to online trends and manage the balance through the digital buying calendar.
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Assortment strategy set up
- Oversee product volumes and inventory levels to support timely digital launches, pre-orders, and optimal stock positions for fast-moving online SKUs.
- Develop seasonal and core assortment forecasts at a size level through a bottoms-up analytical approach, incorporating historical digital performance, web traffic data, and online market trends.
- Design platform-specific assortment strategies, differentiating the product mix for Brand.com versus external marketplaces to maximize reach and profitability.
- Plan and execute Online Exclusive product strategies to drive direct-to-consumer traffic and loyalty.
- Align buying plan alignment with the E-commerce and Digital Marketing teams to enable cross-functional consensus on financial and product performance targets.
Assortment performance management
- Drive in-season and post-season hindsight analysis using digital metrics (Conversion Rate, Click-Through Rate, Cart Abandonment, Returns) to uncover actionable insights.
- Convert key digital learnings into strategic recommendations for future-forward online assortment planning.
- Track and analyze style-color performance to inform carryover decisions and re-order opportunities, ensuring the digital product lifecycle is aligned with brand equity and commercial intent.
- Monitor competitor digital assortments and pricing strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the online market.
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Manage brand and channel strategies
- Partner closely with cross-functional teams: Work closely with Merchandising, Performance Marketing, and Tech departments to ensure alignment of inventory needs with digital campaigns and traffic acquisition plans.
- Collaborate with channel managers to build and manage digital channel segmentation that supports the broader business strategy.
- Actively manage delivery timelines with supply chain to ensure flawless execution of product launches
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS
- Minimum 2 to 5 years in buying, merchandise planning, or demand planning.
- Required experience in e-commerce or online retail.
- Proven ability in assortment strategy, financial planning, and trend analysis in digital/multi-channel environments.
- Strong understanding of the online fashion/performance footwear market, digital product lifecycle, category structure, consumer segments, and competition.
- Familiarity with digital analytics tools (GA, Adobe) and e-commerce platforms.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication in Korean and English for cross-functional and leadership alignment.
- Proficient in MS Office, Tableau, and allocation systems.
- "> ">undefinedPERSONAL ATTRIBUTESWork with all levels of stakeholders/ Collaborative/ Pro-active/ Entrepreneurial approach/ Commercially minded / Strategic storyteller / Detail-oriented / Data-oriented / Brand guardian / Resilient
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Location: Seoul Anguk, Korea / Department: Merchandising / Reports to: Merchandising Planning Manager
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Equal Opportunity Employer:
New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.
If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.