Director Sports Research

New Balance Athletics, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 216,000 - 344,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

401K

Lifestyle reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

New Balance Athletics, Inc. is seeking a scientific leader to direct the Sports Research Lab in Brighton, MA. You will shape a 3–5 year research roadmap, translate athlete insights into product impact, and provide strategic direction with cross-functional teams.

The role requires 15+ years in research with 6+ years in people management, strong leadership, and expertise in MATLAB/Python data analysis. Hybrid schedule and competitive compensation reflect senior responsibility.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise science, engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of research experience, with at least 6 years in a people-management role.
• Proven ability to build multidisciplinary teams and lead inclusively in research environments.
• Ability to formulate strategy, align stakeholders, and execute detailed roadmaps.
• Expertise in hypothesis development, data collection/processing, statistics, and presentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis to guide team protocols using MATLAB/Python.

Responsibilities

• Drive the vision and 3–5 year research roadmap for Sports Research.
• Provide technical leadership in research design, validation, and data analysis.
• Synthesize results into data-driven product recommendations.
• Lead external partnerships to expand capabilities and align with strategy.
• Build and coach a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and improve state-of-the-art research infrastructure and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy development

Data analysis

Programming (MATLAB, Python)

People management

Budget planning

Education

Graduate degree in biomechanics or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

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:

The New Balance Sports Research Team is a multidisciplinary group of innovators focused on advancing human performance through scientific exploration. We use our state-of-the-art 17,000-square-foot research space—including running tracks, turf and court surfaces, body scanners, an environmental chamber, high-speed force treadmills, and material-testing equipment—to answer tomorrow’s footwear and apparel questions. We are seeking an accomplished scientific leader to direct the New Balance Sports Research Lab. The ideal candidate combines scientific rigor, strategic thinking, and inclusive people leadership with the ability to translate athlete and consumer insights into meaningful product impact. This leader will shape the future of Sports Research while building the capabilities, partnerships, and culture required for sustained product innovation.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Drive the vision, mission, and purpose of Sports Research, formulating a clear three-to-five-year strategy and research roadmap in partnership with Innovation and product leadership.
• Provide technical leadership within and beyond the team on research design, product validation, research methods, biomechanics, physiology, mechanical testing, perception, and data analysis; ensure each program begins with a clear, testable hypothesis tied directly to the business unit brief.
• Ensure research plans are thorough and robust, execution meets high standards of scientific quality, and products are sufficiently validated before findings and recommendations are shared.
• Lead the synthesis of research results into clear, data-driven product recommendations; drive alignment with category and global teams and the rollout of research and validation best practices.
• Represent the Sports Research perspective during product briefs, pitchbacks, design reviews, and development milestones, using athlete, consumer, and cultural insight to influence product direction.
• Identify, establish, and incubate external research partnerships that expand team capabilities and align with the long-term research strategy.
• Build an inclusive, high-performing multidisciplinary team; set clear expectations, coach performance, develop talent, and create meaningful learning and career-growth opportunities.
• Develop and continuously improve state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including facilities, equipment, software, tools, processes, programs, protocols, procedures, and data-quality standards.
• Plan and manage capital and operating budgets, ensuring investments, facility improvements, and team growth are aligned with strategic priorities and remain within assigned budgets.
• Establish clear priorities and accountability across the portfolio; ensure projects are tracked, risks are identified early, contingency plans are developed, and commitments are delivered on schedule.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• A graduate degree in biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise science, engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of research experience, with at least 6 years in a people-management role.
• Proven ability to build effective multidisciplinary teams, develop talent, set performance expectations, and lead inclusively in an industry or applied-research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate strategy, align senior stakeholders, make well-informed decisions, and execute detailed roadmaps in a complex, fast-paced organization.
• Leadership-level expertise across hypothesis development, data collection, data processing, statistical analysis, results synthesis, and presentation, with the judgment to select appropriate research and validation methods.
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (MATLAB, Python) sufficient to guide team analysis protocols.
• A record of creating new methods and protocols and applying research insights to consumer products.
• Experience planning and managing capital and operating budgets.
• Ability to partner with senior leaders across the organization to provide guidance, solutions, and direction.
• Excellent presentation, oral, and written communication skills.
• Some local and national travel may be required.

Sports Research Lab, Brighton MA Only Pay Range: $215,600.00 - $280,000.00 - $344,400.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.).

Regular Associate Benefits:

• New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K.
• We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally.
• You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.
• Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.
• Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule:

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status. At New Balance, our job is to aid athletes in their pursuit of excellence, whether that means helping professional athletes set records and win medals, or propelling everyday athletes to achieve a new PR, run their first 5K or just to live a more healthy and active lifestyle. Our products are the perfect blend of function and fashion, giving you the performance technology you need and the style you want. Our associates around the world bring these goals to life with their high-level skills and creativity. While we offer the best product on the market, we’re also equally committed to giving back. So while we look to succeed, we believe in ensuring others have the same opportunity.