Sr Operations Specialist, Global Sample Management

New Balance•Lawrence, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr Operations Specialist, Global Sample Management coordinates cross-functional efforts to execute on-time Sample PO releases to manufacturing partners. The role manages New Balance Sample purchase order placement and confirmation, ensuring suppliers follow Sample order management guidelines and meet designated KPIs, including x-factory performance and PO data management. It serves as the primary internal liaison to Customer Service, Development, Sourcing, and Operations to ensure New Balance and customer requirements are accurately executed at the factory PO level. The position applies industry knowledge, best practices, techniques, and established processes to manage order execution activities. As a key cross-functional partner, it collaborates with internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners to develop solutions to complex, impactful, and risky issues. Work supports company objectives, strategic initiatives, and operational goals, and is reviewed for quality, accuracy, and sound judgment. Success requires ownership, action-oriented problem solving, adaptability, and a commitment to meaningful results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in a fast-paced planning and/or purchasing environment is preferred.
Hands-on experience developing and implementing supply chain process improvements.
Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), ERP systems, Diver, and xPC.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory skills preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in a fast-paced planning and/or purchasing environment are preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute Sample PO releases and ensure timely order placement and confirmation.
Review delivery status and proactively identify risks to committed timelines.
Review weekly exceptions and drive timely resolution with suppliers and internal partners.
Work with suppliers, OM teams, and cross-functional partners to communicate issues, drive resolution, and ensure stakeholder alignment.
Provide appropriate teams with timely visibility into risks, exceptions, and performance trends.
Build and maintain trusted partnerships across functions and with external manufacturing partners to support shared business objectives.
Serve as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for Sample PO Management processes.
Participate in and/or lead cross-functional projects that support strategic business objectives.
Participate in weekly and monthly KPI reporting, analysis, and performance reviews.
Identify and lead process improvement initiatives related to PO management and cross-functional business activities.