Product Performance Manager Bicycle Tires (m/f/d) - REF100493K Job ID: REF100493K

Continental Corporation; Hannover; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation + Future Value days

Company pension plan

Flexible working hours

JobRad bike leasing

On-site childcare

Diversity & inclusion programs

Job summary

Continental is seeking a Product Performance Manager to connect cycling performance engineering with innovative tire development. You will work with professional teams, athletes, and R&D to translate field feedback into performance improvements and field-test validated products.

Travel about 25% internationally, contribute to testing camps, and help define specifications, benchmark performance, and optimize rolling resistance, CdA, and tire-system efficiency.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Sports Science, Product Development, Data Analytics, or related field is beneficial.
• Several years of experience in product development, performance engineering, testing, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of bicycle performance metrics (Crr, CdA, tire-system efficiency) and ability to translate data into athlete-focused insights.
• Ability to build relationships with athletes, teams, customers, and internal stakeholders to drive outcomes.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approx. 25%).

Responsibilities

• Interface between Product Management, R&D, Testing, Pro Teams, and OE Team to build a global performance network.
• Translate performance requirements into product specs and priorities.
• Establish a data-driven feedback loop to accelerate innovation cycles.
• Generate and interpret performance data to guide development and decisions.
• Validate advantages via laboratory, field testing and race-day assessments.
• Lead benchmarking against competitors and market standards.
• Apply methods like Chung Method to quantify real-world gains.

Skills

Rolling Resistance

CdA (Aerodynamic Drag)

Tire-system efficiency

Performance data analysis

Athlete collaboration

English fluency

Education

Engineering degree or related field

Job description

Job Description

Do you want to help shape the fastest bicycle tires of tomorrow, working side by side with professional athletes and teams where performance truly matters?

As Product Performance Manager, you will be at the intersection of elite cycling, performance engineering, and product innovation. You will spend time where products prove themselves, on the road, at training camps, during testing sessions, and in direct exchange with athletes and teams around the world. By combining real-world rider feedback with performance data and technical expertise, you will help transform insights from the field into the next generation of category-leading Continental bicycle tires. If you are passionate about cycling performance, love being close to the action, and thrive on turning athlete needs into measurable product advantages, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a visible impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface between Product Management, R&D, Testing, Professional Teams, Athletes, and OE Team, building a strong global performance network across the cycling ecosystem.
• Translate real-world performance requirements into clear product specifications and development priorities.
• Establish and manage a structured, data-driven performance feedback loop to accelerate innovation cycles.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret performance data to guide product development and strategic decisions.
• Validate product advantages through laboratory testing, field testing, and race-day performance assessments.
• Lead performance benchmarking against competitors and emerging market standards
• Evaluate critical performance metrics including Rolling Resistance (Crr), Aerodynamic Drag (CdA), Aero Efficiency, and Complete Tire System Performance.
• Apply advanced analytical methods such as the Chung Method to quantify real-world performance gains.
• Collaborate closely with professional teams and athletes, building trusted relationships to collect, assess, and translate race validation data into actionable product improvements.

Additional Information

• Attractive Compensation: You will receive a salary based on the collective agreement of the chemical industry, including an annual pay and vacation bonus – transparent, fair, and future-oriented.
• Flexibility that fits your life: This position is generally intended to be filled on a full-time basis. At the same time, we are open to individual part-time arrangements, provided they are compatible with the requirements of the role. With flexible working hours, mobile working, and sabbaticals, we will find a working model that suits your individual needs.
• Time off that truly matters: Enjoy 30 days of paid vacation per year – plus three additional days off for individual use as part of our “Future Value” program.
• Secure your future: With our company pension plan, we already invest today in your financial security of tomorrow.
• Career with perspective: We actively support you in shaping your career through individual trainings, access to learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, and a wide range of development opportunities.
• Borderless opportunities: As an EU citizen, you can work remote from other EU countries for up to 40 days per year – offering greater freedom and international flexibility.
• Exclusive employee benefits: Take advantage of attractive discounts and a wide range of employee benefits.
• Stay fit – nationwide: With our comprehensive range of health and wellness initiatives, you stay active – wherever you are in Germany.
• Sustainable mobility: Use our “JobRad” bike leasing program and secure your preferred bicycle at attractive conditions – for more fitness, climate protection, and enjoyment on your daily commute.
• A family-friendly culture: We support you with various offers that help balance work and family life, such as on-site childcare places and free emergency childcare services.
• Support when it matters most: The Fürstenberg Institute provides you with a confidential external point of contact for professional advice and support in both personal and professional matters.
• A work environment that embraces diversity: Look forward to working in a diverse and international environment through collaboration with our global locations.

For more information about the employee benefits you can expect at Continental, please visit our benefits page. If you would like to learn more about our location, feel free to visit our site page:Hannover Corporate Headquarters.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Sports Science, Product Development, Data Analytics, or a related field is beneficial. However, we are equally interested in candidates who have gained relevant expertise through professional experience, competitive cycling, performance engineering, testing, or similar hands‑on environments.
• Several years of experience in product development, performance engineering, testing, sports technology, competitive cycling, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of bicycle performance metrics, including Rolling Resistance (Crr), Aerodynamic Drag (CdA), tire-system efficiency, and performance optimization methodologies, combined with the ability to analyze and interpret complex performance data and connect technical insights with athlete needs and real‑world riding experiences.
• Ability to build strong relationships with athletes, teams, customers, and internal stakeholders and turn feedback into actionable outcomes.
• Passion for cycling, endurance sports, and performance optimization, combined with a curiosity for understanding what drives product success.
• Experience with performance testing and validation methods such as field testing, laboratory testing, aero testing, power-based testing, competitor benchmarking, Chung Method analysis, or similar approaches.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to prioritize performance initiatives and development projects based on athlete value, customer needs, market potential, development effort, and commercial impact.
• Business fluent English skills (written and spoken); additional language skills are considered a plus
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis (approx. 25% with higher travel activity during testing camps and race periods)and enthusiasm for working directly with athletes and teams in the field.

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

Imagine discussing tire performance with professional athletes in Spain one week, analyzing aerodynamic test results the next, and seeing your insights influence future Continental race products used at the highest level of cycling. If that sounds like the perfect blend of performance, technology, and sport, we'd love to talk to you!

Company Description

Continentalis a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around76,000 peoplein 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from theTires group sectormake mobility saferandsmarter. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers.In fiscal 2025, the Tiresgroup sectorgenerated sales of 13.8 billion euros.Continental's tire division currently employs around 53,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.