Fitness Product Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a Product Manager to join our dynamic Innovation team – with an emphasis on outdoor fitness equipment. The Product Manager will own and manage market categories that contain multiple product lines within the fitness platform. 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 across our family of brands.

• Product Strategy and Development:
  • Develop and execute product strategies that align with corporate 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.

• Analytical Decision‑Making
• Communication
• Learning & Development
• Planning & Organizing
• Professionalism & Integrity
• Risk‑Taking/Creative Thinking
• Teamwork & Relationship‑Building
• Results Orientation

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

There will be travel requirements between Chattanooga and other Play Core companies and for training, trade shows, visiting representatives' office(s) throughout the country, and customer visits. The travel expectation is between 10% and 20%.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety standards, 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…