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:
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Brand and Communications Manager UK/I to lead the development and execution of brand strategies and communications/PR initiatives.
This role is a blend of strategic leadership and active execution, requiring a leader who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and take an active role in delivering on the brand and media objectives.
We are in an exciting phase of growth for the brand and this role will be instrumental into further shaping the future of the brand and the brand team, enhancing presence across multiple channels and driving engagement with key audiences. The role reports directly to the UK/I Marketing Lead.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Brand Strategy and Management
- Lead and work very closely with our EMEA central media team and UK/I Marketing Lead to develop and implement a comprehensive brand strategy that aligns with business objectives and enhances brand equity in the UK/I market.
- Translate strategic plans into actionable initiatives and media / PR plans, ensuring consistency in brand messaging, tone, and visual identity across all touchpoints.
Communications, PR, events
- Work closely with the EMEA Central PR team to develop and implement PR strategies and activations.
- Lead the creation of impactful communication strategies, including PR, media relations and global brand events that require local execution.
- Manage PR campaigns directly, managing media outreach, writing press releases, and building relationships with PR agency, media outlets and influencers.
- Responsible with your team for driving global/ local events and partnerships.
Campaign Development and Execution
- Plan and implement multi-channel marketing campaigns, taking ownership of project timelines, deliverables, and quality.
- Collaborate with our EMEA creative studio, PR and Media agency ensuring relevant content and assets are produced for the market. Ensure all creative goes through the right approval processes, requiring thoughtful planning.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Lead and mentor a small team, with the potential for the team to grow in the future.
- Work closely with the UK/I marketing team to align and bring campaigns to life.
- Work cross-functionally with EMEA marketing, sales, DTC and merch teams to ensure cohesive messaging and strategic alignment.
Market Insights and Analytics
- Conduct brand health checks, gather market intelligence, and actively track campaign and brand performance. Use insights to inform decision making for the future.
- Leverage insights to refine strategies and optimize execution.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary point of contact for senior leadership on brand and communications matters.
- Maintain relationships with external agencies, partners, and vendors, often directly being responsible for deliverables and timelines.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business or a related field, and relevant number of years of experience in marketing, preferably in brand management.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution.
- Exceptional storytelling ability.
- Strong project management and organisational abilities, with a track record of leading end-to-end campaigns.
- Strong understanding of the lifestyle and or running footwear and apparel market, including trends, competitors and consumers.
- Ideal to have a strong understanding working with or on brands that play at the intersection of sports and culture.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners.
- Ability to analyse performance data and market insights to inform decisions and optimize marketing efforts.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messaging tailored to the target audience.
- Ability to Travel up to 15%
BENEFITS:
- Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental Scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
- Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
- 25 days Annual Leave per year
- Life Insurance
- On Site Gym
- Employee Discount
- Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for four weeks per year
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)
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.
What We Do
In 1906, New Balance began as a humble one-man operation founded on the belief that “we were born to move,” and has since grown into an international corporation, selling footwear and apparel in over 120 countries and employing over 8,000 associates worldwide. Our mission has always been to support the performance of athletes, and with an unparalleled focus on quality and craftsmanship, we’ve come to set the standard for comfort and fit in an industry all too often driven by hype.
We’re incredibly proud of our history and how far we’ve come, but companies don’t thrive for over a century by being content.
Whether it’s setting a new style trend, retooling our manufacturing process, or building a new state-of-the-art headquarters, we pursue innovation with a spirit of fearless independence. As the only privately held major footwear company in the world, we’re free to do things our way, pushing limits and testing boundaries as we continually reimagine what could be. After all, the status quo isn’t static.
But doing things our way wouldn’t mean much if we weren’t also doing them the right way. We invest in our associates as they invest in us, and as we move forward, we make a point of giving back, supporting communities around us through ambitious philanthropic efforts and involvement programs. We are a company that cares, and our culture is one of integrity and teamwork where together we become greater than the sum of our parts.
