Innovation Manager of Adhesives & Chemistry - MADE

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 Chemical Engineering Manager – MADE Innovation leads the strategy, people, and processes that govern how soles are attached to uppers (bonding) across our U.S. and U.K. based MADE manufacturing network. In this role, you will guide a team, shape long term bonding capabilities, and partner across the organization to drive innovation and operational excellence.
You will oversee a team of engineers and technicians responsible for routine product testing and process audits, ensuring adherence to bonding specifications and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing bonding methods. You will also lead cross functional initiatives with Manufacturing and external partners to develop new materials, adhesives, and processes — and ensure smooth commercialization from pilot through full scale production.
In addition, you will collaborate closely with Innovation teams (Advanced Capabilities, Leather Science, and Data Science) to uncover insights into bonding systems and develop solutions to historical process challenges.
As the Chemical Engineering Manager, you will set direction, coach talent, and build the systems that allow the bonding function to scale with speed, rigor, and creativity. You will operate with a startup mentality — emphasizing rapid initiation, fast prototyping, and iterative testing.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead strategic partnerships with industrial vendors to develop and validate next generation sole to upper bonding methods.
• Manage and develop a team of engineers and technicians responsible for bonding performance testing and process audits across the MADE network.
• Own bonding specifications, standards, and methods for all domestic models, ensuring consistency and scalability.
• Oversee testing and analysis of new materials and bonding systems, generating insights that inform long term bonding strategy.
• Direct the development, validation, and commercialization of new materials, adhesives, equipment, and bonding processes from pilot through full scale production.
• Serve as the organization’s bonding SME, providing technical leadership and cross functional guidance on adhesives, best practices, and process adherence.
• Collaborate with Innovation teams (Advanced Capabilities, Leather Science, Data Science) to uncover insights and solve historical bonding challenges.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline; Master’s degree strongly preferred. Advanced coursework or research in polymers, adhesives, or material interfaces is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing, product development, adhesives, or footwear/consumer product industries, with a proven track record of delivering technical solutions in complex production environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineers or technical teams, including coaching, performance management, and capability building.
• Deep technical understanding of footwear bonding systems, adhesives, material interactions, and process validation, with hands on experience interpreting test data and driving root cause analysis.
• Proven success leading engineering projects from concept through commercialization, including cross functional coordination and vendor engagement.
• Strong data driven decision making skills, including the ability to interpret complex test data, apply statistical reasoning, and translate insights into actionable engineering direction; proficiency with tools such as Minitab.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement methodologies; certification is a plus.
• Ability to set technical direction, prioritize complex workstreams, and operate independently in a fast paced, innovation driven environment.
  

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.