Product Line Manager Pickleball

Babolat; Miami (FL); Sur place; USD 80 000 - 95 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Benefits package

401(k) employer-matched

Résumé du poste

Babolat in the United States is seeking a Product Line Manager for Pickleball to lead the product roadmap, portfolio architecture and go-to-market strategy. You will collaborate with global and US teams across R&D, design, sourcing, supply, marketing and sales to translate player needs into differentiated products.

The role requires 3–4 years in pickleball product management, deep knowledge of paddles and materials, and a proven ability to turn insights into actionable requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3–4 years of relevant experience in Pickleball product management or related field.
• Strong understanding of paddle construction, materials and performance characteristics.
• Ability to translate player and consumer insights into clear product requirements and business opportunities.
• Experience with prototypes, testing, validation and commercialization processes.

Responsabilités

• Define and manage the Pickleball product roadmap and portfolio architecture.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and range expansion based on market trends.
• Develop product briefs translating insights into measurable objectives.
• Contribute to pricing strategy, margins, and commercial performance.
• Manage products through their life cycle from concept to launch and phase-out.
• Drive cross-functional product development from concept to pilot, testing and launch.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Design, Sourcing and Manufacturing to meet performance and cost targets.
• Maintain regulatory knowledge and ensure compliance with testing and certification requirements.
• Coordinate prototypes, benchmarking and play testing to inform improvements.

Connaissances

Product management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Market research

Pricing & forecasting

Lifecycle management

Strategic thinking

Formation

Bachelor's Degree

Description du poste

Reporting to the Global Sales & Marketing Director/Pickleball, the Product Line Manager/Pickleball position is primarily responsible for working closely with global and US teams across R&D, product development, design, sourcing, supply, marketing, sales, athletes and external partners to translate player needs and market opportunities into differentiated products that strengthen our position in Pickleball.

• Define and manage the Pickleball product roadmap, portfolio architecture, segmentation, positioning, pricing and seasonal introductions.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and range expansion based on player needs, market trends, competitive activity and emerging technologies.
• Develop clear product briefs that translate consumer and player insights into meaningful product requirements and measurable performance objectives.
• Contribute to pricing strategy, margin objectives and the overall commercial performance of the product line.
• Manage products throughout their life cycle, from concept and commercialization through optimization and phase-out.
• Drive product development cross-functionally from concept through prototype, testing, validation, commercialization and launch.
• Partner closely with R&D, Engineering, Design, Sourcing and Manufacturing to deliver defined performance, quality, cost and consumer objectives.
• Bring technical credibility to discussions around paddle construction, materials, core technologies, face materials, layups, thermoforming, weight and balance, surface characteristics and other performance variables.
• Coordinate prototypes, competitive benchmarking, technical testing and structured play testing; translate feedback and performance data into actionable improvements.
• Maintain an understanding of relevant Pickleball equipment regulations, testing requirements and certification processes.

Player & Market Insights

• Maintain a strong connection to the US Pickleball player community and competitive landscape.
• Monitor competitors, emerging brands, technologies, pricing, retail trends and changing player preferences.
• Work with professional and competitive players, coaches, ambassadors and play testers to gather structured product feedback.
• Translate consumer, player and market insights into clear opportunities for product innovation and differentiation.

Go-To-Market & Commercial Partnership

• Partner with Marketing and Sales to translate technical product features into clear, credible and compelling player benefits.
• Support product launches, range presentations, retailer meetings, sales training and product education.
• Collaborate with Supply and Sourcing teams on forecasts, production requirements and launch timelines.
• Manage key development milestones and proactively address risks that could impact product quality, cost or delivery.

Your profile:

• Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university (concentration in Product Management, Marketing, Business, Engineering, Sports Management, Product Development or related discipline), and a minimum of three to four years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and related experience is required.
• Professional experience in Pickleball product management, product development, engineering, R&D or a closely related product function.
• Strong understanding of Pickleball paddles, construction, materials and performance characteristics.
• Experience with product development processes including prototypes, testing, validation and commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of the US Pickleball consumer, competitive landscape and product trends.
• Ability to translate player and consumer insights into clear product requirements and business opportunities.
• Commercial understanding of product positioning, pricing, margins, forecasting and lifecycle management.
• Strong project-management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 30% - 35% of both international (Asia and France) and domestic travel is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Targeted Hiring Range: $80,000 - $95,000 annual base salary with 10% bonus potential based on both quantitative and qualitative objectives. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, employer-matched 401(k) plan, disability/life insurance and more!