Senior Fit and Wear Test Specialist

New Balance; Warrington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

New Balance seeks a Fit and Wear Test Specialist to validate products through real-world testing. This role requires managing testing strategies and collaborating with product teams, needing a degree in Engineering or Biomechanics and experience in the footwear industry. The position offers hybrid working and regular travel across Europe and the US.

Benefits

Discretionary Bonus Opportunity

Private Medical Insurance

Dental Scheme

Pension Scheme

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid working (3 days on-site)

25 days Annual Leave

Life Insurance

On Site Gym

Employee Discount

Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year

Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit

Qualifications

• Previous experience within the footwear industry.
• Confident with challenging the norm and creating new solutions.
• Team player with a passion for footwear.

Responsibilities

• Manage Fit and Wear testing of product concepts.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product testing strategies.
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand user needs.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to balance workload

Proactive approach

Education

Degree level in Engineering or Biomechanics

Job description

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:

Due to expansion New Balance are looking for a Fit and Wear Test Specialist to join our Product Development team in the UK. Supporting Global Football, Cricket, and Lifestyle teams, you will manage Fit and Wear testing of product concepts. The primary purpose of this role is to validate products through real world testing, gathering feedback, experience, and advice the relevant teams.

We are looking for someone who’s passionate about our products. You must have a keen eye for detail and be self motivated with the ability to effectively manage your own workload. We offer hybrid working and a flexibility to working hours to accommodate for a healthy work life balance. Regular travel across Europe and biannual travel to the US will be required.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Work with our cross-functional product creation teams to test new technical products and technologies that athletes love
• Develops, leads, and executes comprehensive product testing strategies during the prototyping stages, ensuring validation and continuous improvement while aligning with New Balance Global Fit and Wear processes and procedures
• Able to correlate shoe technology to performance
• Work closely with the athletes and product teams to understand performance/user needs
• Expand and manage the product tester network, leveraging industry connections and innovative recruitment methods to ensure diverse and high-quality feedback
• Develop and implement detailed testing timelines and protocols, ensuring timely achievement of milestones and providing strategic insights on technology feasibility and applicability to cross-functional teams
• Provide detailed feedback for products which include fit, durability, or performance impact to the appropriate teams
• Prioritise testing based on product tiers, production timelines, seasonal calendars, and Football and Cricket playing seasons, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Ensure data protection rules are followed during all steps of testing

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Educated to degree level, ideally within Engineering. Biomechanics or similar would be preferred
• Previous experience within the footwear industry is required
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills, confident working with cross- functional teams both internally and externally
• Able to effectively balance workload, understanding when to prioritise tasks successfully
• Confident with challenging the norm and creating new solutions and best practices
• Motivated with proactive approach and desire to succeed
• Passionate about footwear
• Team Player

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
• Opportunity to work abroad 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.