Product Manager

PlayCore; Fort Payne (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PlayCore, Fort Payne, AL, is seeking a Product Manager to own market categories and manage multiple product lines from ideation to launch. You will drive lifecycle planning, collaborate with design, engineering, manufacturing, and sales, and analyze market trends to inform strategy and pricing.

Responsibilities include developing category strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering products that meet customer needs while supporting company goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Proven product management experience in manufacturing or related industry.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards for playground equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies aligning with market trends and company goals.
• Lead end-to-end product development from ideation to launch.
• Coordinate with design, engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams.
• Analyze market data, customer feedback, and competitive intelligence.
• Drive product lifecycle management including roadmaps and obsolescence strategies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Strategic planning

Cross-functional

Project management

Market analysis

Decision making

Leadership

Business acumen

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, marketing, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

Asana

Product management software

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented Product Manager to join our dynamic team. The Product Manager will own and manage market categories that contain multiple product lines. The expectation is to oversee the entire product lifecycle from ideation to launch and drive the development and enhancement of our product lines, ensuring they meet the needs of our customers while aligning with our company's strategic goals. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, product development, project management, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Product Strategy and Development:
  • Develop and execute product strategies that align with GameTime’s objectives and market trends.
  • Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept ideation to product launch, ensuring timely delivery and quality execution.
  • Conduct market research, gather customer feedback, and analyze industry trends to identify opportunities for product innovation and improvement.
• Product Lifecycle Management:
  • Manage the entire product lifecycle, from market development to growth, maturity, and decline, including product roadmap planning, product prioritization based on asset utilization, and obsolescence strategies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, engineering, manufacturing, and sales to ensure seamless execution of product initiatives.
  • Monitor product portfolio mix and performance, gather feedback, and iterate on product features and functionalities based on market dynamics and customer needs.
• Market Analysis, Category and Pricing Strategy and Competitive Intelligence:
  • Conduct thorough market analysis and create category strategy informed by the competitive landscape, customer preferences, and emerging trends.
  • Monitor competitor activities, benchmark product offerings, and identify areas of differentiation to maintain our competitive edge.
  • Utilize market insights to inform product positioning, pricing strategies, and go-to-market plans.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Partner with internal and external stakeholders to drive down costs and increase profitability across the category.
  • Work closely with sales and marketing teams to develop effective product messaging, sales collateral, and promotional campaigns.
  • Collaborate with customer service to address product-related inquiries, resolve issues, and gather customer feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including customers, vendors, and industry partners to drive product success and foster collaboration opportunities.
• Product Launch and Continuous Improvement:
  • Coordinate product launches with sales and marketing teams, including product training at sales meetings, virtual events, and trade shows.
  • Analyze key metrics and customer feedback to continuously improve the product offering.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead innovative project initiatives to identify areas for refinement and innovation.

Competencies

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

Education And/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, marketing, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. Proven experience in product management or related field, preferably in the manufacturing industry. Knowledge of regulatory requirements, safety standards, and industry best practices related to commercial playground equipment is a plus.

Travel

There will be travel requirements between Chattanooga and Fort Payne, AL as well as training, tradeshows, visiting representatives’ office(s) throughout the country, and customer visits. The travel expectation is between 10% and 20%.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must have the ability to write routine reports and correspondence as well as be able to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Reasoning Ability

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Microsoft Excel, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), project management tools/platforms (e.g., Asana), and product management software.

Other Skills

• Strong understanding of product development processes, including ideation, design, engineering, manufacturing, and distribution.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and drive cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to gather and interpret market data, customer insights, and competitive intelligence to inform product strategy and decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas, influence stakeholders, and build consensus across teams.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently walk, sit, talk, and listen, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, except in the manufacturing environment where PPE may be required.