New Balance - Retail IT Operations Manager, EMEA - Amsterdam

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. At New Balance, We Got Now.

JOB MISSION:

The New Balance EMEA DTC Technology Team is responsible for driving the delivery of Retail and eComm technology initiatives for the region, partnering closely with the regional business, our global technology and DTC teams, alongside our delivery center in India to deliver best-in-class retail technology products and capabilities in support of our fast-growing region. 

As we accelerate our growth, we are seeking a Retail IT Operations Manager to join our team.  We seek a high-potential, results-oriented, highly collaborative individual with a hands-on mentality.  The person in this position should be passionate about developing retail operations infrastructure and products, understands all levers of the overall retail technology landscape/capabilities, and can manage it effectively, using the agile methodology. Leading store openings and sustaining retail IT operations, ideally in the apparel industry will be beneficial experience for this person to have.

The successful candidate should be an innovative problem solver who can navigate and influence between the retail applications and regional infrastructure teams. Strongly data-driven and can work effectively in a matrix-oriented organisation, partnering with the key to deliver the SLAs/projects while respecting deadlines, quality, and scope.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To lead the provision of a full IT infrastructure to all new and existing retail stores
  • Ensure internet lines are provisioned.
  • Ensure all hardware is procured for store opening in line with company standards.
  • Ensure appropriate IT services are operational in stores for opening and communicate any risks/mitigations to published opening times.
  • Communicate IT lead times and ensure all parties are kept up to date.
  • Champion IT to ensure store opening times are in line with technology provision and provide interim measures for limited service when lead times are excessive.
  • Manage ISP and retail support vendors to define and ensure SLAs are met on a regular basis and drive actions when any issues are identified.
• Work with global IT leads to ensure new retail technologies are provisioned in new and existing stores.  Including updating relevant standards where appropriate.
• Develop and support centralised support processes for all retail operations.
• Keep abreast of new technologies and promote appropriate adoption.
• Advise Retail branch of company standards and promote compliance.
• Provide regular updates to key IT and Retail partners.
• Ensure technical support is provisioned for the full retail ecosystem during store opening times.
• Ensure all regional IT infrastructure requirements are met to support the growing Ecommerce and Omnichannel business.
• Manage internal and external IT resources to meet the above requirements.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Relevant number of proven years’ experience in implementing or upgrading retail IT systems.
• Retail company background preferred.
• Experience of Aptos POS preferred.
• Retail Network experience (Cisco Meraki preferred).
• Retail-specific hardware knowledge (POS, thermal printer, payment devices, etc.).
• Project management experience, Agile preferred.
• Travel across Europe is required.
• Ability to bridge communications between technical and business stakeholders.
• Strong delegation and people leadership skills required.

BENEFITS:

Benefits will differ based on the location of the associate.

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
• Discount on the health insurance
• 8% holiday allowance
• Flexible Working Hours
• Pension Scheme
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Up to €250 travel allowance each month
• Hybrid working
• Employee Discount
• Work from-home allowance
• Home working equipment
• Sports subscription via OneFit
• Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for up to 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.