Data Science Manager - Forecasting & Optimization

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 Data Science Team at New Balance is the center of excellence for applied data science across our global commercial businesses, creating value through actionable insights, scalable models, and AI-enabled decision support.

As the Data Science Manager, Forecasting & Optimization, you will lead New Balance’s planning-focused data science group and own high-value forecasting and optimization work that improves global planning, inventory, and supply chain decisions. This is a hands-on player/coach role where you will write production-quality code, develop and deploy models, lead and develop data scientists and contractors, partner with stakeholders, and ensure solutions are adopted, monitored, and improved.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

A successful candidate in this role will focus on three core areas:

Technical Excellence

• Develop, deploy, and improve forecasting and optimization models for demand planning, allocation, assortment, inventory, and related planning decisions.
• Write, review, and maintain high-quality Python and SQL code that can scale from experimentation into reliable production workflows.
• Connect model performance metrics such as accuracy, bias, stability, and service levels to business outcomes including sales, inventory productivity, margin, and efficiency.
  

Business Partnership & Product Delivery

• Partner with stakeholders to define priorities, align roadmaps, and translate business needs into scalable data science products.
• Document model logic, business rules, assumptions, and operating practices so solutions can scale and be supported over time.
•  Work with ML engineering and MLOps partners to make models production-ready, monitored, explainable, and maintainable.

Team & Operational Leadership

• Manage and coach a small team (1-3) of data scientists while staying hands-on in model development, code reviews, technical design, and production delivery.
• Create repeatable standards for experimentation, validation, governance, documentation, stakeholder communication, and adoption measurement.
• Build a culture of technical excellence, pragmatic problem-solving, collaboration and stakeholder empathy, and continuous learning.
   

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 6+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, optimization, operations research, or a related field, including hands-on model development and deployment.
• 2+ years leading projects and/or guiding cross-functional delivery while remaining hands-on with technical work.
• 2+ years leading data scientists
• Deep expertise with forecasting models and optimization techniques across areas such as demand planning, inventory optimization, simulation, or decision science, ideally in a retail environment.
• Strong Python and SQL skills with experience building scalable, production-quality modeling workflows using large datasets.
• Ability to partner with senior stakeholders, define roadmaps, influence priorities, communicate clearly, and drive adoption of analytical or AI-enabled solutions.
• Strong understanding of model evaluation, monitoring, retraining, governance, documentation, and lifecycle management.
• BA/BS in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related technical field; Master's or PhD preferred.
• Practical data science experience in retail, consumer products, or supply chain is preferred.
• Experience with Databricks, Snowflake, Azure, AWS, GCP or similar cloud platforms is preferred.
• Experience building production data science products, APIs, dashboards, optimization engines, or decision-support tools.
• Familiarity with Agile delivery, product ownership, roadmap planning, and measurable adoption strategies.

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $138,500.00 - $173,000.00 - $207,500.00 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

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. 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.