Product Manager - Specialty Play Group

Summary

The Product Manager is responsible for the strategy, development, commercialization, and ongoing performance of assigned product lines. This role identifies market and customer needs, establishes product priorities and requirements, leads cross-functional product development and launch activities, and manages product performance, pricing, margins, and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain product strategies, roadmaps, and priorities for assigned product lines based on customer needs, market opportunities, competitive activity, financial performance, and business objectives.
2. Manage product lifecycle decisions such as product improvement, cost reduction, SKU rationalization, and obsolescence.
3. Be an expert with respect to the competition and identify continuous improvement initiatives to support market share growth.
4. Communicate product and service features and benefits to a variety of audiences and distribution networks.
5. Gather and analyze feedback from customers, sales representatives, dealers, field teams, and internal stakeholders to identify product gaps, product improvements, and new market opportunities
6. Maintain current knowledge of competitive products, market pricing, and industry changes that could affect assigned product lines.
7. Prepare and present the status of products being developed, the sales history of products released in prior years and their margins.
8. Lead cross-functional product initiatives from concept through launch, coordinating with Design, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, and other stakeholders.
9. Develop business cases for new products and significant product improvements, including market opportunity, target pricing, anticipated costs, margins, and sales potential.
10. Ensure timely launch of new products by managing and tracking the new product development schedule with the design team.
11. Manage the margins of all product lines from launch to annual price increase through product changes for cost reduction or increased price.
12. Participate in dealer communication for feedback, special design requests and sales assistance.
13. Support sales team by developing specialized selling tools directly related to products as needed.
14. Conduct internal and external training related to new products.
15. Work with the product and marketing teams to plan and execute photography.
16. Maintain product databases within CRM, ERP, websites, and PIM
17. Other duties may be assigned by Manager or Supervisor. 

Competencies

• Analytical Decision-Making
• Communication
• Learning & Development
• Planning & Organizing
• Professionalism & Integrity
• Financial Management
• Risk-Taking/Creative Thinking
• Teamwork & Relationship-Building
• Results Orientation
• EEO Accountability 

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, product development, engineering, design, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in product management or related field required
• Demonstrated experience with market research, product launches, portfolio analysis, pricing, and margin management
• Experience in recreation, manufacturing, construction, or related industries is beneficial.

Travel

Up to 25% 

Computer Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and business systems such as ERP, CRM, product-information, project-management, and data-analysis platforms.

Other Requirements

• Focused and motivated work ethic
• Ability to manage margins with multiple and complex cost and pricing structures
• Ability to manage multiple tasks & deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to lift and transport trade show materials, collateral, etc.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills

PlayCore and its family of brands considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.