Brand & Communications Manager, France

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

We are seeking a Brand & Communications Manager for France to lead the development and execution of brand strategies and communications/PR initiatives. You will work closely with the trade marketing teams to ensure campaigns are amplified to deliver on brand and commercial impact. This role blends strategy with active execution, requiring someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and take an active role in delivering on brand and media objectives. The position will further shape the brand’s future, enhance presence across multiple channels, and drive engagement with key audiences. The role reports directly to the Head of Marketing, France.

Major Accountabilities

Communications, PR, Events

• Work closely with the EMEA Central PR team to develop and execute PR strategies and activations.
• Lead the creation of impactful communication strategies, including PR, media relations and global brand events that require local execution.
• Execute and manage PR campaigns directly, managing media outreach, writing press releases, and building relationships with PR agencies, media outlets and influencers.
• Responsible with your team for executing global/local events and partnerships.
• Manage the creative concepting process for local initiatives such as Marathon du Mt Blanc, Marathon de Paris, Marseille Cassis, Paris Fashion Week, and be integral to the delivery of its content. Work closely with the partnership team to deliver against its objectives.

Campaign Development and Execution

• Plan and execute multi‑channel marketing campaigns, taking ownership of project timelines, deliverables, and quality.
• Omnichannel planning, including all channels like DTC e‑commerce and retail. Ensure all campaigns include a focus on our own channels.
• Collaborate with our EMEA creative studio, PR and media agency ensuring relevant content and assets are produced for the market. Ensure all creative goes through the right approval processes, requiring thoughtful planning.

Community and Key Opinion Leader Engagement

• Develop and manage relationships with KOL, athletes, tastemakers, and the Run catalysts team, ensuring continuity in community leadership and maximizing brand exposure.
• Lead PR‑driven activations across all categories to engage running and lifestyle communities, amplify brand storytelling, and maintain a consistent New Balance voice in the market.
• Oversee the seeding program, ensuring strategic placement of New Balance products with KOL/tastemakers to maximize brand exposure.

Market Insights and Analytics

• Conduct brand health checks, gather market intelligence, and actively track campaign and brand performance. Use insights to inform decision making for the future.
• Leverage insights to refine strategies and optimize execution.

Budget Management

• Plan, allocate, and manage provided Communication/PR budgets to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Conduct budget reviews and track performance in partnership with the FR and central marketing team to ensure transparency and alignment.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior leadership on brand and communications matters.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, partners, and vendors, often directly overseeing deliverables and timelines.

Requirements for Success

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in marketing, business or a related field. Solid experience in marketing, preferably in PR and/or brand management. Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. Exceptional storytelling and communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong project management and organisational abilities, with a track record of managing end‑to‑end campaigns.
• Strong understanding of the lifestyle and/or running footwear and apparel market, including trends, competitors, and consumers. Ideally has a great understanding of working with or on brands that play at the intersection of sports and culture.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to analyse performance data and market insights to inform decisions and optimise marketing efforts.
• Based in Paris.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
• Discount on Health Insurance
• Pension
• Life Insurance
• Daily Meal Allowance
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Hybrid Working
• Transportation Allowance
• Employee Discount
• Volunteering Opportunities via NB GivesBack
• Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each 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.