Marketing Manager, Sporting Goods

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Manager, Sporting Goods

🔹 Company: New Balance

🔹 Location: Brighton, MA, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing annual/seasonal marketing plans for key account partners in the sporting goods space
• Leading elevated marketing activations that resonate with sporting goods consumers
• Supporting the Director NA Commercial Marketing in driving marketing plan development and execution
• Managing key account relationships, including sell-in through sell-through, building retailer-specific marketing programs, and measuring plan performance
• Collaborating with global and regional marketing teams to ensure brand consistency
• Overseeing project management of seasonal content creation and production
• Ensuring adherence to brand, category, and athlete guidelines across all consumer-facing content

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute annual/seasonal marketing plans for key account partners in the sporting goods space, including social media, retailer database, site, and in-store tactics

✅ Lead elevated marketing activations that resonate with sporting goods consumers, such as events, community activations, and product launches

✅ Support the Director NA Commercial Marketing in driving marketing plan development and execution, aligning with global and regional direction

✅ Manage key account relationships, including sell-in through sell-through, building retailer-specific marketing programs, and measuring plan performance and budget management

✅ Collaborate with global and regional marketing teams to ensure brand, category, and athlete marketing efforts are accurate, consistent, and premium

✅ Oversee project management of seasonal content creation and production, ensuring adherence to brand, category, and athlete guidelines

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Experience: 5-8 years in marketing capacity

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in project leadership and managing multiple assignments with varying degrees of complexity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong key account marketing focus
• Retail experience (asset)
• Ability to work in a team environment and express a perspective with conviction
• Excellent verbal/written communications skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and internal platforms
• Willingness to travel

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sporting goods industry
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in marketing, with a strong focus on key account management and project leadership.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for marketing managers in the sporting goods industry)

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance (3 options)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Tuition Reimbursement
• $1,000 monthly student loan support
• Various mentorship programs
• $1,000 yearly lifestyle reimbursement
• 4 weeks of vacation
• 12 holidays
• Generous parental leave

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range and benefits package are competitive for the marketing manager role in the sporting goods industry.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Sporting Goods Manufacturing

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees (Mid-sized)

Founded: 1906 (Over 115 years ago)

Company Description:

• New Balance began as a humble one-man operation in 1906, founded on the belief that “we were born to move”
• Grown into an international corporation, selling footwear and apparel in over 120 countries and employing over 8,000 associates worldwide
• Mission to support the performance of athletes, with an unparalleled focus on quality and craftsmanship
• Pursues innovation with a spirit of fearless independence, continually reimagining what could be
• Invests in associates and gives back to communities through philanthropic efforts and involvement programs

Company Specialties:

• Running & Outdoor
• Training
• Lifestyle
• Lacrosse
• Tennis & Court
• Kids
• Apparel
• Baseball
• Track & Field
• Soccer
• Skateboarding
• Softball
• Golf
• Cycling
• and Hiking

Company Website: www.newbalance.com

ASSUMPTION: New Balance is a well-established company with a rich history and a strong focus on innovation and community involvement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (5-10 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director NA Commercial Marketing

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week, with the option for "Work from Anywhere" for 4 weeks per calendar year)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to Director or Senior Manager level within the marketing department
• Expansion of responsibilities to oversee additional key accounts or categories
• Opportunities to gain experience in global or regional marketing teams

ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential within the marketing department and the broader organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)

Office Location(s): Brighton, MA, United States

Geographic Context:

• Brighton, MA is a suburb of Boston, with a population of approximately 42,000
• Close proximity to major highways and public transportation options
• Access to various cultural, dining, and recreational amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements available

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible work schedule provide a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager
• Final round interview with key stakeholders
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and planning
• Project management skills
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry-specific knowledge

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant marketing experience and achievements
• Demonstrate strong project management skills and examples
• Showcase understanding of the sporting goods industry and New Balance's brand
• Prepare questions about the role, team, and company culture

ATS Keywords: Marketing Planning, Project Management, Key Account Marketing, Retail Marketing, Brand Guidelines, Content Creation, Event Management, Community Activations, Performance Measurement, Strategic Thinking, Teamwork, Initiative, Organizational Skills

ASSUMPTION: Tailoring the resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences will increase the likelihood of success in the application process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Internal platforms (specific to New Balance)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant marketing and project management tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Independence
• Fearless
• Innovation
• Quality
• Craftsmanship
• Community
• Integrity
• Teamwork

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Fast-paced
• Adaptable
• Results-driven
• Creative

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody New Balance's values in your work?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or work environment?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects with varying degrees of complexity?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should align with New Balance's values and demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and creativity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Balancing on-site and remote work effectively
• Navigating a large, fast-paced organization
• Meeting the expectations of key account partners
• Keeping up with industry trends and consumer preferences

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple projects, adapt to change, and thrive in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Marketing Manager or Marketing Director position within a smaller organization or a specific brand within a larger corporation
• Differences may include the scope of responsibilities, budget size, and the number of direct reports
• Career paths may vary depending on the organization's structure and growth opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional collaboration, with opportunities for growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a successful marketing campaign for a new product launch in collaboration with key retail partners
• Managing a community activation event that drives brand awareness and consumer engagement
• Creating and implementing a retailer-specific marketing program that increases sales and market share

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should provide specific examples of marketing projects they have led, highlighting their strategic thinking, project management skills, and ability to drive results.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader marketing strategy for New Balance?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing department currently?
• How does New Balance support the growth and development of its marketing team members?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, especially with the hybrid work arrangement?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions demonstrates a strong interest in the role and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, including specific examples of marketing projects you've led and the results you've achieved
• Prepare for interviews by researching New Balance's brand, values, and recent marketing campaigns
• Prepare questions about the role, team, and company culture to ask during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.