Project Dev Lead- Sustainability and Lifestyle

New Balance•Boston, MA

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Project Dev Lead focused on Sustainability, you will drive the validation and adoption of New Balance's Sustainability initiatives, translating strategy into in-line footwear development. This position leverages New Balance's volume category to advance progress against our established corporate goals in the reduction of Scope 3 emissions. You will work cross-functionally with key stakeholders in the Sustainability space (Sustainable Innovation, Materials Development, Advanced Concepts Engineering, and Product Sustainability Team). You will drive the commercialization of proven concepts through the product creation triad: Design, Development, and Product Management. You will also develop in-line Lifestyle projects. Here, you will plan, drive, and track projects to bring these important products to market on-time and with high quality. You will gain valuable experience working cross-functionally with Product Management, Design, Consumer Insights, Engineering, Sourcing, and Quality teams. You will utilize (and build on) your knowledge of sustainability, shoe engineering, materials, costing, and manufacturing processes to help you deliver great results. You will learn new skills as New Balance continues to transform its product and processes to be more digital and drive great consumer experiences.

Requirements

Knowledge of environmentally preferred materials and manufacturing processes
Understanding of circularity, traceability, and waste reduction
Familiarity with the macro trends in Sustainability, including pending legislation and NB Development’s role in ensuring compliance
Deep understanding of the footwear creation calendar to influence seasonal adoption of new materials and processes
Effective Project Management, Communication, and Problem-Solving Skills
Multiple years of footwear experience with working knowledge of materials, molding processes, footwear technology, and production processes

Responsibilities

In collaboration with subject matter experts, focus on high-impact initiatives in the following areas: Material Usage Reduction, Better Leather, Better Textiles, Better Dying, Better Soles, Internal Componentry, Manufacturing Processes and Sole Compounds
Coordinate testing and trials to validate new concepts, working with our Asia Dev partners
Operationalize new Sustainability concepts by ensuring accurate and timely data is available at key points in the product creation calendar for in-line development.
Meet tech pack handoff, sampling deadlines and product confirmation deadlines with Asia partners and ensure this is properly tracked in the product line management system.
Meet or beat Target costing (TFCA) on all styles
Validate all products by reviewing all testing through development and commercialization - work to solutions for all risks and issues.
Work on Personal Development including developing competencies: Drive Results, Action-Oriented, Collaboration, Adaptability, Inclusion