Senior Product Manager - Sporting Goods

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA seeks a Senior Product Manager to drive the sporting goods line from ideation to launch and beyond. You will define strategy, analyze market needs, and lead cross-functional teams in R&D, design, manufacturing, and marketing.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in product management, a passion for sports equipment, and proven ability to translate insights into roadmaps. Hybrid work model and athlete-focused innovation are core to the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of product management experience in sporting goods or consumer products.
• Strong knowledge of Agile and Waterfall development methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with user research, market analysis and competitive intelligence.
• Excellent communication, presentation and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Passion for sports equipment and understanding of athletic performance.
• Hybrid work model in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap for a portfolio of sporting goods.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews to identify unmet needs.
• Translate product strategy into detailed product requirements and specifications.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, manufacturing, and marketing teams throughout development.
• Prioritize features based on business impact and customer value.
• Manage the product launch process with go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor product performance post-launch and gather feedback for iterations.
• Act as SME on product line and competitive landscape in Leisure & Sports.
• Present product strategies and roadmaps to senior leadership.

Skills

Product management

Agile

Waterfall

User research

Market analysis

Competitive intelligence

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the Leisure & Sports industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Product Manager to drive the development of their sporting goods line. This hybrid role, based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA , will lead the product lifecycle from ideation through to launch and beyond. You will be responsible for defining product strategy, understanding market needs, and collaborating with engineering, design, and marketing teams to deliver exceptional products that resonate with athletes and sports enthusiasts. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of product management principles, a passion for sports equipment, and a proven ability to translate market insights into successful product roadmaps. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of sports equipment for a leading brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap for a portfolio of sporting goods.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews to identify unmet needs and opportunities.
• Translate product strategy into detailed product requirements and specifications.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, design, manufacturing, and marketing teams throughout the product development process.
• Prioritize product features and initiatives based on business impact and customer value.
• Manage the product launch process, ensuring successful go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor product performance post-launch, gathering feedback for future iterations and improvements.
• Act as a subject matter expert on the product line and the competitive landscape within the Leisure & Sports sector.
• Present product strategies and roadmaps to senior leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus. Minimum of 5 years of experience in product management, preferably within the sporting goods or consumer products industry. Proven track record of successfully launching and managing products through their lifecycle. Strong understanding of product development methodologies (Agile, Waterfall). Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Experience with user research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence. Exceptional communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills. A genuine passion for sports and an understanding of sports equipment and performance. Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA .

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. This role provides the opportunity to work on exciting product development within the dynamic Leisure & Sports industry, with a hybrid work model in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA . Join a company dedicated to innovation and athletic excellence.