Manager, Product Management

Manager, Product Management

The Manager, Product Management leads Live to Play Sports' team of Product Managers and owns the systems, processes, and cross-functional rhythms that turn product strategy into on-time product launches. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Product Development, who sets product strategy and sourcing, this role owns how the Product Management team operates, while individual Product Managers own their categories and projects from concept through production.

As both a process builder and hands-on people leader, the Manager lifts administrative burden off the Product Managers, works collaboratively with the Director, Engineering and R&D to deliver projects to the development calendar, and keeps Product Management, Engineering, Quality, Global Supply Management (GSM), and Operations aligned behind one shared plan.

Role and Responsibilities 

Development Calendar and NPI Process 

• In collaboration with Director, Engineering and R&D own the master development calendar, so Product Managers and engineers do not carry that administrative load 
• Support Product Managers to deliver projects to meet the development calendar 
• Ensure every active project (NPI, NIL, CIL) has a current timeline, defined milestones, and a clear owner 
• Run Stage gate reviews and New Model Sign Off, and ensure SQL Product database updates are completed accurately and on time 
• Review bills of materials (BOMs) and related product data to ensure consistency and accuracy 
• Hold the team to on-time delivery of new products as the standard measure of success 

Project Management and Reporting 

• Track project health across the product portfolio, flag risks early, and support PMs to remove blockers before they become problems 
• Report program status, risks, and recovery plans to the Sr. Director, Product Development and the leadership team 
• Make priority and resourcing decisions when programs compete for the same capacity, within the direction set by the Sr. Director, Product Development 

Cross-Functional Alignment 

• Work collaboratively with the Director, Engineering and R&D as the day-to-day operational partner 
• Own the handoffs, and decision rhythms that keep Product Management, Engineering, Sourcing, Global Supply Management (GSM), Operations, and Quality moving in the same direction 
• Align project timelines across functions and escalate issues when they require a strategic decision 

Process Improvement and Change Management 

• Run a clean, consistent NPI process and continuously raise the standard 
• Identify inefficiencies, design improvements, and introduce modern tools and ways of working where the current approach is limiting the team 
• Lead change through to adoption by socializing, training, and following through until new processes become standard practice 
• Build on what the team already does well, introducing change at a pace the team can absorb 

Team and People Management 

• Recruit, hire, and develop Product Managers 
• Develop team goals that align with product strategy and overall company strategy 
• Evaluate employee performance and provide ongoing coaching, accountability, and constructive feedback 
• Support Product Managers in delivering their portfolios 
• Build a team that operates independently, with Product Managers who make sound decisions, escalate the right issues, and grow in their craft 
• Foster a high-performance team culture built on team first, high performance, and embracing progression 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent experience 
• Proven experience in product management, product development, or NPI program management in a consumer products or manufacturing environment; experience from outdoor industry, cycling and hard goods is preferred 
• Strong project management skills, including building timelines, running stagegate reviews, and keeping cross-functional teams on track 
• Working knowledge of product requirements, specifications, bills of materials, and the development process from concept through production 
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing and developing a team and holding people accountable 
• Experience driving alignment across Engineering, Sourcing, Global Supply Management, Operations, and Quality in a fast-moving environment 
• Demonstrated change management experience, including introducing new ways of working and making them stick 
• Fluency with modern product development tools and systems, and a point of view on where they add leverage 
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a continuous improvement mindset 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and directly with team members, peers, and leadership 
• Experience working with overseas manufacturing or assembly partners is an asset 

Salary Range: $90,000-$120,000